Windsor gives green light to airport study
Last Updated: Tuesday, January 19, 2010 | 11:09 AM ET
CBC News
The city of Windsor gave final approval Monday for a second study of the air cargo potential at Windsor International Airport.
Windsor International Airport wants to establish an air cargo operation to service several North American cities. (CBC/Jim Lagogianes)"Yes, we are proceeding. Yes, we have government sponsors and government assistance," said Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis.
Council voted to spend $100,000 on phase 2 of a report by Germany's Lufthansa Consulting. The provincial government has given its support for the project, contributing
$200,000 earlier in January to the cost of the study.
In its initial report, released in September 2009, Lufthansa determined Windsor was an excellent location for shipping companies and had "a lot of sleeping potential."
The second phase of the study will look at the business case for the expansion plan and what facilities would be required to complete the project.
Councillors defend use of taxpayer money
Several city councillors said Monday they see the airport as an underutilized asset.
"The investment of the $100,000 again to develop the business plan I think should give ratepayers a bit of confidence in terms of the direction of this council, ensuring that whatever we do is sound," said Jo-Anne Gignac, councillor Ward 5.
'We have to do this, it's good due diligence.' —Drew Dilkens, Councillor Ward 1
Ward 3 councillor Alan Halberstadt was the sole voice of dissent on council, but Ward 1 councillor Drew Dilkens said the decision was a good use of taxpayer money.
"We have to do this, it's good due diligence, it's required for us to do this," said Dilkens. He also said he was pleased residents will soon see what the impact of an airport expansion would be.
"I think that's very very positive because certainly there are some perceived negatives with environmental issues, air pollution noise pollution. There are ways to mitigate those situations," said Dilkens.
The second phase of the study is expected to take four months to complete.
Hamilton and London, have both announced similar studies for their airports.
The first phase of Lufthansa Consulting's study found Windsor International Airport could be handling up to 90,000 tonnes of commercial air freight within 25 years.
Windsor airport has 2,500 hectares available for development. Toronto's Pearson International Airport covers 1,700 hectares.
Windsor International Airport employs 200 people.
In 2007, it served 118,251 passengers on public and corporate flights.
