Everyone was on the same page during Monday's Sarnia council meeting, agreeing it's time to invest in the future of Chris Hadfield Airport and not divest the asset.
Council agreed unanimously to direct staff to advance the framework toward investment in the airport, using funds from the airport's operating reserve.
City Councillor Terry Burrell said the airport is too valuable to let go.
"Right now it's costing us money -- for many years it didn't -- but I think it is an asset worth providing just like we provide other services for our people," said Burrell.
City/County Councillor Bill Dennis agreed.
"We may be against the ropes right now, but our future is going to be bright and the airport is going to be an essential part of our comeback story," Dennis said.
City/County Councillor Brian White said it's time to "unlock the doors and get running."
"My philosophy is really simple on this, invest in our airport and we'll elevate our community," said White. "It could even be a slogan. But, the idea behind it is... we've tethered our opportunity here for decades and it's time that when we say we're ready to invest in this airport we're completely open to everything."
City Councillor Anne Marie Gillis said investing is the right decision to make, noting there could be opportunity with the federal government's plan to increase border security.
"In the short term, we could become one of the Canadian border security hubs for southwestern Ontario," Gillis said. "But, we need to act quickly, because Windsor is also vying for that position."
City/County Councillor Chrissy McRoberts said "we have to invest in our community."
"Instead of just paying $400,000 and allowing it to deteriorate, we need to invest and if we invest we need to maintain holding this. If we sell it off, we have no control," said McRoberts.
City/County Councillor Dave Boushy understood the community's message that divesting the airport is not an option.
"It's clear to us after all of the phone calls, the letters, the number of delegations... saying to us, 'don't touch the airport, stay away from it, don't sell it,'" said Boushy.
Community members also expressed unanimous support to invest in the airport.
Canadian Owners and Pilots Association President Mark Van Berkel described the airport as an important current and future resource in Sarnia-Lambton, noting it will continue to be required for medevac flights, despite the addition of a helipad at Bluewater Health.
"People always think medevac flights are always helicopters flying to hospitals, and while that is true, that's not what happens when the weather gets bad," said Van Berkel. "When the weather gets bad, like in a snowstorm, and when there [are] accidents on highways and people need that medevac, they fly into an airport. A fixed wing aircraft flies into an airport with an instrument landing approach and that's what the Sarnia airport has and that's why it's very valuable to that region."
Former City/County Councillor Margaret Bird outlined the appeal of Sarnia's geographical location.
"To show that our airport is open for business, be competitive for large capital projects and encourage tourism, population growth, and new business development -- which creates better employment opportunities -- make it easy to do business in Canada. Say yes to invest. Build more hangars at the airport now," Bird said.
Sarnia's Chris Hadfield Airport Terminal Operation Manager Mike Roberts --spoke on behalf of the airport operator Scottsdale Aviation.
"Without the strong, long term commitment from the city, it is very difficult to plan or seek other revenue generating opportunities. Commit to the future of the airport and this will help change the current dynamic," Roberts said.
Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee Chair Mark Lumley spoke on behalf of approximately 580 members of the local business community.
"There's an overwhelming majority of individuals that feel that the airport contributes to the local economy," said Lumley. "It supports corporate aviation, flight training, emergency service and industrial sectors. Investing in infrastructure could attract new revenue sources, such as cargo operations, private hangars and all of the ideas you're going to hear and have heard about great things to do with a revitalized airport."
Sarnia Lambton Industrial Alliance Past Chairman Rick Perdeaux spoke in favour of investing in the airport.
"The unanimous opinions within our group are to fully support the Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport remaining open," Perdeaux said. "We feel that it's an important pillar of the transportation industry that is so critical it has put us on the map where we were and will keep us on the map in the future."
Airport Management Council of Ontario (AMCO) Laura McNeice warned against divesting the airport.
"It is of the opinion of AMCO that municipalities should recognize their airports as critical infrastructure," said McNeice. "It should be known that should you choose divestment, it does not mean that an airport will remain an airport. Once you've let it go from your hands, there's no guaranteeing how the lands will be used in the future."
Former City/County Councillor Andy Bruziewicz asked council to invest in the airport and consider expanding it for future generations and connections to a wealth of opportunities that exist there.