Yarmouth airport revs up income-generating opportunities
Commercial real estate brokerage firm to advertise former Waste Check building for lease
The Yarmouth International Airport Corporation committee approved a motion at its Dec. 20 meeting to engage the services of a commercial real estate brokerage firm to advertise office space available for lease. In the past, the corporation has marketed leasable space itself.
The first potentially incomegenerating building to be listed will be the site formerly occupied by Waste Check, which recently moved into the second floor of the former coast guard hangar building, which also is on airport property.
The two-storey former Waste Check building is about 3,000 to 4,000 square feet.
Airport committee member Clark Sigfridson says there are about 15,000 square feet of of- fice, training and operational space available on airport property.
“Some of that is leased but there’s certainly potential there for considerable leasing opportunities,” he said.
The airport is a 750-acre facil- ity, with about 120 acres of that being appropriate for aviation and aerospace industry.
Sigfridson says as far as the land goes, there could be potential to lease some of that as well. There’s also about 20,000 square feet of hangar space (three hangars in total). Some of that space is leased but more sections are available.
In August the airport corporation voluntarily changed the facility’s certification from 302 to 301 in order to ensure continued air service from the airport. The 302 certification is very rigorous and requires the same regulations that large airports, like Stanfield International Airport and Pearson International Airport, maintain. Both of those airports provide service to millions of travellers annually.
Repairs and capital improvements for Yarmouth were estimated at a minimum of $6 million to regain 302 status.
Despite not having regular passenger service, the airport is busy, with around 1,500 movements a year. It is used by private aircraft, EHS LifeFlight, charter flights, military assets for training, search and rescue assets, etc.
All of these uses would still be available under 301 certification.
Sigfridson says the committee is excited about the new direction being taken.
“There’s been a lot of groundwork over the last three years with the former manager, Mike Fields. I’m not sure we’d be here today if it wasn’t for his effort,” he said.
With regard to the appointment of the new interim manager, Alain Muise, CAO for the Municipality of Argyle, Sigfridson referred to him as “fantastic.”
“Southwest Nova is so fortunate to have someone like him. He’s a very reliable person.“