February 15, 2005

In the area between Earlton and Lake Temiskaming, the most important new development for the local economy is, literally, up in the air.  The Temiskaming Regional Airport, located just outside Earlton, in Armstrong Township, received support for the construction of a new 15,000 square foot hangar, which is enough to house up to five aircraft.  There is also a two-storey passenger lounge and administration area amounting to 2,400 square feet.

This project, which reflects an effective partnership among federal, provincial, municipal and NGO players, will increase the capacity of the airport to boost local economic development in the region and help diversify the local economy.

At the centre of the project was the Township of Armstrong, which has direct responsibility for the airport, and which received funding from both FedNor and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund in 2003 toward the $1.9 million needed for the complete facility upgrade.  Both funding applications were facilitated by the South Temiskaming Community Futures Development Corporation.  STCFDC’s Coordinator Linda Coté was actively involved throughout in facilitating and coordinating meetings of the various partners in the project.  The organization remains a strong advocate of the airport facility and views the airport as a key component in the development of the area’s economy.

Distance and geology make most means of access to this extreme eastern edge of Northern Ontario difficult most of the time.  As soon as the new hangar facilities were operational, the benefits they brought were apparent.  Armstrong Township concluded a lease agreement with a private sector anchor tenant, Grant Forest Products, which required two-thirds of the space.  “When the hangar project was originally planned, the expectation was that three new full-time positions would be created,” said Armstrong Township Reeve Jules Gravel.  “Now, thanks to a lease agreement with Grant Forest Products, the new 17,400 square foot facility has resulted in the creation of 14 private sector jobs.”  Reeve Gravel noted that “having a reliable transportation link to larger business sectors is very important for economic growth.”

The new facilities also contributed to the decision by FedNor to grant a further $183,000 to the Township of Armstrong toward costs of a three-year pilot project to provide scheduled air transportation between Earlton and Toronto.  Earlton’s air transportation link to Toronto was suspended because of the SARS crisis and this investment will help the township to revive the service.

The airport’s expanded capacity played a key role in attracting a new call centre, which employs 100 people, to this area.  “One of the call centre’s major requirements was that there be an easy way in and out of the area,” said Reeve Gravel.  “The new capacity at the airport has been a great boost to the economic sector in Temiskaming, helping to diversify the area’s economy.”  The improved transportation link was also a consideration for the developers of Bayport Village, a retirement-living complex on the nearby shores of Lake Temiskaming.

While diversification is important for the agriculture- and forestry-dependent region, Reeve Gravel says that building on existing strengths is also key.  “In recent years, a number of farmers from southern Ontario have relocated to the Tri-Town Area, where cheaper agricultural land is available,” he said. “The expanded airport facilities now make it easier for these people to explore the area.”

In all respects, this project is an excellent demonstration of the success that can be achieved when all partners –– federal, provincial, municipal and NGO –– work together to achieve a common goal.