Blog: City News

Flying Forward: A 20-year Master Plan for Timmins Victor M. Power Airport

City Council has received the final draft of the Timmins Victor M. Power Airport 2022-2042 Airport Master Plan. The objective of the Airport Master Plan is to provide a long-term vision for the Airport that forecasts demand and activity, identifies opportunities and challenges, and recommends improvements for revenue generation and development. The plan was first initiated in 2022 and has undergone review and consultation before being presented to Council as a guiding document for future planning and investment.

The Timmins Victor M. Power Airport is a key economic driver, connecting Timmins and communities in the north, including the west coast of James Bay, to the rest of Canada and the world. The Airport’s ability to meet demand directly impacts the city’s success in facilitating business and trade. Reliable air service allows local business to expand and access new markets, and helps attract investment and development to Timmins. Air passenger traffic is projected to increase 1.1% per year over the life of the plan, with the potential to see approximately 277,000 passengers traveling through the Timmins Victor M. Power Airport annually by 2041. This increase would require upgrades or changes to the Airport’s infrastructure and facilities, including regulatory requirements based directly on passenger numbers.

“The airport’s operations contribute an estimated $90 million and $200 million, respectively, in gross domestic product (GDP) and total economic output to Ontario’s economy,” said Airport Manager Dave Dayment. “That only happens when the runways are open and planes are traveling in and out. You will see that number increase as the airport expands and passenger traffic grows. The Airport Master Plan makes a case for investment, from all levels of government, to support population, industry, and economic growth.”

A capital investment of $120 million over the next 20 years for airside and land use improvements is recommended, organized into short-term, medium-term, and long-term priorities. In the short-term, improvements to parking, equipment optimization, and façade upgrades could be balanced with initial planning for proposed commercial development. Medium-term costs could be directed towards expansion of the terminal building, car park, and airside elements. Long-term recommendations include runway extensions, lighting improvements, and final development of commercial lands south of the airport.

“Many of the recommendations would be contingent on the airport reaching key passenger and air travel milestones,” adds Dayment. “The Airport Master Plan provides a comprehensive look at where we are now and where we could go with the right strategy and investment.

View the Timmins Victor M. Power Airport Master Plan online at: https://bit.ly/4hqS2vm

Posted by Amanda Dyer On 2/6/2025 at 3:22 PM