Explorers’ Edge has released its executive summary regarding the costs and next steps necessary to landing commercial flights at Muskoka Airport.
The tourism organization hired InterVISTAS consultant group to speak with local stakeholders on the level of interest of having such a service in Muskoka.
According to the report, the majority of stakeholders are very supportive of the idea.
Some stakeholders brought up the need to partner with taxis and car rental services and the possibility of needing an east-west runway.
InterVISTAS has determined initial and ongoing costs of setting up a secure screening facility and accepting commercial flights.
Operational costs for the first year would sit around $200,000 and continue at $100,000 a year.
The consultant group believes it would be best to build a new terminal specifically for the commercial airline service.
This could cost the district anywhere between $900,000 and $1.2 million.
Explorers’ Edge officials will be presenting these findings to the district on June 23rd.
Officials suggest the next steps to take would be hiring an architect to design a new terminal and come up with an estimate on cost.
Officials will also need to meet with CATSA and Transport Canada, begin airline negotiations and come up with a financing structure to determine passenger fees.