Council examines future of Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport

Sarnia city council has voted to reject the creation of a municipal service corporation (MSC) to operate the Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport and will instead form a committee to review […]

Sarnia city council has voted to reject the creation of a municipal service corporation (MSC) to operate the Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport and will instead form a committee to review alternative management options.

Council voted 5 to 4 against re-establishing the arm’s-length corporation, which would have been funded by the city but operated independently. Supporters on council argued the model would provide stability and a generational opportunity for investment. Opponents raised concerns about high costs and the loss of council oversight.

Councillor Terry Burrell, who opposed the proposal, said council should retain direct control of the airport rather than handing it to a separate operating unit like Bluewater Power. He and four other councillors supported creating an ad hoc committee to examine other operational models.

The proposed municipal service corporation model was part of a transition plan estimated to involve significant administrative and staffing costs. Council has already spent $107,243.44 on legal support and consultant reports exploring the option. The airport is currently operated by Scottsdale Aviation under a headlease that expires on June 30, 2027.

City staff have outlined several alternatives, including direct municipal operation, contracting a private operator, public-private partnerships, divestment, or management by a not-for-profit authority. Staff warned that advanced planning is required within the next 16 months to ensure regulatory compliance with Transport Canada once the current operator leaves.

Mayor Mike Bradley and other supporters of the corporation model expressed concern that the city is losing momentum and "flip-flopping" on a long-term strategy. Councillors Adam Kilner and Brian White argued the airport needs a nimble, expert board to move at the speed of business and secure federal funding.

Councillor George Vandenberg and others argued that council should seek more local expertise before committing to an expensive new structure.

The new ad hoc "Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport Future Operations and Planning Committee," consisting of Councillors Terry Burrell, Adam Kilner, and Chrissy McRoberts, is tasked with investigating a way forward. They are expected to work with city staff and the public and report back by June 2026.

Council also formalized the extension of ground sublease agreements for Hangars No. 4 and No. 8 at the airport. These agreements with 1863838 Ontario Limited (Huron Flight Services) are now set to run through February 2054.