Sarnia commits to keeping its airport

On January 11, 2025, Sarnia City Council unanimously voted to keep the Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport open and to invest in its future, rejecting previous plans to divest the facility and instead committing to ongoing maintenance and upgrades (sarnianewstoday.ca).

Councillor Dave Boushy noted the overwhelming community feedback—phone calls, letters, and delegations—insisting “don’t touch the airport, stay away from it, don’t sell it,” while COPA President Mark Van Berkel highlighted the airport’s critical instrument‐landing approach for medevac flights during severe weather (sarnianewstoday.ca).

Former Councillor Margaret Bird urged the construction of additional hangars and other infrastructure to attract tourism, business development, and better employment opportunities, echoed by Chamber of Commerce Transportation Chair Mark Lumley on the airport’s role in supporting corporate aviation, flight training, emergency services, and potential cargo operations. Scottsdale Aviation’s Mike Roberts stressed that a firm, long-term municipal commitment is essential for planning new revenue-generating ventures (sarnianewstoday.ca).

Airport Management Council of Ontario CEO Laura McNeice warned that divestment risks losing the airport entirely—once municipal control is relinquished, there’s no guarantee the land will remain an aviation facility—and urged municipalities to recognize airports as critical infrastructure (sarnianewstoday.ca).

What is COPA doing?

COPA Flight 7 advised COPA National of city plans to review future plans for CYZR and received assistance in providing information regarding the value of community airports and the importance of ongoing municipal support for airport and airport services. COPA National collaborated with several industry partners to coordinate the sharing of information with Sarnia city council.

COPA's President provided Sarnia council a detailed briefing highlighting airport benefits and recommending ongoing municipal support. COPA's President also participated in local television discussions on the importance of the Sarnia airport and spoke at a city council meeting in support of retaining the airport. Sarnia council received input from many interested parties and unanimously voted to continue municipal support and investment in the airport.