Sarnia's Airport Action Working Group believes the future of the city's airport requires a return to moving over 30,000 passengers a year.
The group, presenting a report to council with several recommendations Monday, states that the airport is capable of increasing ridership, and has achieved the benchmark before, but more than one airline carrier will need to be secured.
Mayor Mike Bradley is impressed by the recommendations.
"My expectation, and hope, is that council will hear the taskforce, which has done some excellent work, citizen based, no political involvement, and then extend the lease to at least March or maybe even longer so that we can start moving on some of the steps being recommended by the taskforce," said Bradley.
Facilities to accommodate executive aircraft and creating a cost-effective business park with a foreign trade zone to support existing businesses and attract new ones is recommended.
The working group also wants to promote regional tourism by developing a "Chris Hadfield Air and Space Centre" for aviation activities and special events at the airport.
"So, some very positive recommendations are coming forward and I would hope council would adopt them and then, over the next three to five years, see if we can get this airport back to where we believe it should be."
Bradley said the loss of Air Canada service was key to the airport's current issues, but he thinks it can be turned around.
"This taskforce has come up with some excellent suggestions on how to do it."
Council's regular meeting starts at 10 a.m. Monday, on ZOOM.
