Runway repaving work has started at North Bay's Jack Garland Airport.
The $8 million project to resurface the 10,000-foot military-length runway and connecting taxiways started June 29 and will be completed by late August.
Miller Paving Northern is handling the job for the runway, a parallel taxiway and a cross taxiway feeding into the passenger terminal and various aprons.
The money is part of a special $50 million fund set up by Industry Canada Minister Tony Clement to host the G8 Summit of world leaders in Huntsville in June 2010.
North Bay's role in the G8 has not yet been determined but it appears to be the likely arrival and departure point for the world leaders.
Mayor Vic Fedeli said the airport has not been designated to receive the dignitaries but he expected some clarification this summer once the G8 Summit in Italy wraps up.
“We're lobbying hard for North Bay and our runway to play a key role, but nothing has been announced.”
The city intends to develop a $30 to $40 million industrial park at Jack Garland in the next few years.
Once the paving is done, the next move is to “step up” the marketing campaign to attract new business. “What makes sense to North Bay and what are our unique selling propositions for North Bay and why would you want to come here?”
Fedeli said the airport board and the economic development department will be brainstorming for ideas, opportunities and fishing for new tenants prior to attending the National Business Aviation Association convention in Orlando, Fla. this October.
“Normally we don't get involved in airport projects but this is something broader than the airport because now we will have an industrial park.”
Fedeli said the city is not hot on the trail of Porter Airlines, which began three-flights-a day service between Toronto and Thunder Bay in late June. He said they are satisfied with region carrier Air Canada Jazz and fears another competitive airline would jeopardize their existing service of four daily flights to Toronto.
“It's good for customer choice but not necessarily good for North Bay in the long run.”
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