News - Stephenville International Airport

Large turnout for rally; Support demanded from MHAs to help save Stephenville Airport

If numbers mean anything, support for the Stephenville airport was quite evident as hundreds of people jammed into the airport for a rally.

The Friday evening event, organized by the Stephenville Airport Concerned Citizens Group, was held to demand the same level of support from provincial and federal governments that has been afforded to the Deer Lake Regional Airport.

“We cannot and will not see our airport shut down and we must demand our two MHAs support our efforts,” Joe Hearn, a member of the committee and moderator for the event, said.

Tracy Marche said after the event it was great people came out in big numbers and showed their support. She said it shows the airport’s continual struggle is an issue that is important to residents of the area.

“It just shows it’s a pressing issue that keeps coming up and should be addressed,” she said.

At different points throughout the evening, there were calls for a united effort with partisan politics to be put aside, but there was also some finger pointing about how the problems came about at the airport, and at times, politicians were put on the hot seat for not coming through with funding to help out up to now.

Officials made it clear no money will be coming forward until a business plan is presented to the provincial government, which they have asked for and for which the Town of Stephenville has engaged the consulting company of Grant-Thornton to carry out.

Mayor Tom O’Brien said the rally was a good demonstration and government officials will have to give the airport serious consideration with this type of support. He said when the business plan is complete, if need be, they may hold another rally.

Judy Foote, MP for Random-Burin-St. George’s, said she has been working on the airport file since getting into office and approached John Baird, mnister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, about vehicle shelter and fuel storage for Stephenville airport out of the Building Canada Fund, which has $33 billion available.

“The question he asked is what is the province’s position on it as Stephenville airport was not under priority for money for airports,” she said.

Joan Burke, MHA for St. George’s-Stephenville East, said she’s a big supporter of Stephenville Airport and doesn’t want to see it being forced to close.

“I can’t guarantee money will come forward, however, once we receive the application and business plan, I can guarantee I will speak in government and at the cabinet table with unwavering support,” she said.

Local MHA Tony Cornect, said he’s anxiously awaiting the completed business plan so he can lobby for the sustainability of the airport.

“We await the business plan so we can advocate on behalf of the Stephenville Airport Corporation,” he said.

Public pressure
Kelvin Parsons, MHA for Burgeo-LaPoile, said having to drive to Deer Lake for travel is a nuisance, is inconvenient, and it just shouldn’t be.

“Politicians will react to public pressure and things will happen a lot faster if you keep our feet to the fire,” he said.

Shawn Tilley, chairman of the Stephenville Airport Corporation, said there are lots of things the airport needs, and there will be no quick fixes. He believes by working together and being focused the airport will move forward.

Stephenville resident Bill Hynes had some pointed questions aimed at Burke as to why Stephenville is not on an airport priority list and why it’s taking so long to get the business plan done. He said the airport needs money now.

Burke said the business plan is important because the provincial and federal governments both need the information since receiving funding is application driven.

“The problem is we don’t have the people to speak up for this town. Politicians said they were going to help with the mill. Well look at the mill, it’s not there. Look at the airport, it may not be there long,” Hynes said.