Kincardine council is giving their support to have staff holding discussions with the Kincardine Airport Interest Group (KAIG).
Municipal staff delivered a report with a recommendation to have staff and KAIG establish a formal volunteer partnership framework to assist with airport operations, promotion, and long-term sustainability.
Manager of Operations Corey Voisin was asked whether KAIG would be covered by the Municipality of Kincardine’s volunteer policy or as a standalone entity.
He explained that the exact framework would need to be discussed with the Kincardine Airport Interest Group.
“There are multiple opportunities that we could go through as like under our volunteer policy or that their group with a separate agreement that would be just for the airport,” he said. “We can explore those options and sit down with KAIG as a next step to see exactly where they’re thinking and help out to get an agreement in place and go forward from there.”
Staff recommended that the KAIG submission as the preferred option as it provides a collaborative volunteer-based model supported by a diverse group of stakeholders with demonstrated experience assisting staff, identifying operational efficiencies, promoting airport activities, and contributing to long-term sustainability initiatives.
Council followed the report’s recommendation to endorse staff enter into discussions with KAIG for the partnership.
The report also requested for council to acknowledge future operating options, which could include: procuring a new Airport Service Provider contract through a competitive process, establishing a dedicated internal municipal staff position responsible for airport operations, and to explore divestiture options through the sale, lease, or transfer of ownership of the airport in order to eliminate annual operating deficits.
It was previously reported to council that the Kincardine Municipal Airport continues to operate at a loss each year.
The volunteer partnership would be reviewed after one year to determine if it resulted in cost savings, staff time saved, or revenue opportunities had been created.
In March 2025 Council received a comprehensive review of airport operations which examined the existing Airport Service Provider model.
The review concluded that there were opportunities to reduce operational costs by transitioning away from a full-service airport management while exploring alternative operating models, all while still meeting the requirements of a registered aerodrome.
Staff received three submissions in response to an Expression of Interest that invited interested parties to outline how they could support airport operations while also support maintenance, administration, and long-term sustainability.