About Us

Background

As the senior advocate of airport owner and operator organizations in Canada, AMCO has evolved into a strong provincial organization committed to the sustainability of airports nationally. Incorporated on October 18, 1985, AMCO’s aims are: to represent the interests of the owners and/or operators of airports and aerodromes in the province of Ontario; and, to promote the safe and efficient operation of those airports.

The Value of Ontario’s Airports

Vision Statement

AMCO’s vision is to lead Ontario’s airports and aerodromes to be the safest and most efficient in the world.

Inherent in this vision is the expectation that AMCO will continue to develop to reach its full potential as an educator and advocate in order to provide a safe and efficient airport and aerodrome network to travelers, industry, government, and emergency services throughout Ontario.

Mission Statement

AMCO’s mission is to provide advocacy for and education to Ontario’s airports and aerodromes.

Inherent in this mission is the expectation that AMCO, by developing to its full potential, will be a leading industry organization and will be financially sustainable as a business entity over the long term. Inspired by this mission are two strategic themes: Education; including communication and training; and, Advocacy; including representation at all levels of government and bringing together industry leaders for the betterment of Ontario’s airports and aerodromes.

Objectives

• To be the leading advocate of the airport industry in Ontario and a leader in the advocacy of the aviation industry nationally;
• To be a representative of member interests on the local, provincial and federal levels of government;
• To be a conduit of education and communication; and,
• To be a training provider in the topics and issues related to the safe, secure, efficient and financially sustainable operation of airports and related businesses.

INITIATIVES

Scotty was thrilled when the Easter Bunny visited and “laid” some eggs for him to find. Each new discovery was a small treasure or treat but collectively they made for a very full basket! Not every egg was easy for Scotty to find, but he kept his eyes open until he searched them all out. As organizations (and people!) we need to be mindful of keeping our eyes open for daily “eggs”– the small wins that collectively bring great success.

2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for AMCO. There is a renewed sense of urgency with our advocacy efforts and an “eggs-iting” new strategic plan set to be revealed that will propel us towards a more modern, vibrant, sustainable organization.

Firstly, we are looking forward to our Spring Airfield Workshop hosted by the Earlton – Timiskaming Airport in New Liskeard, ON. This event is taking place on May 8^th with an “eggs-cellent” line up of speakers and round table discussions. Workshop is a great opportunity to connect with, learn from, and share amongst colleagues and industry professionals to drive Ontario’s airport industry towards being the safest and most efficient possible.

Currently, our advocacy efforts are focussing on the many small airports and aerodromes who are facing an uncertain or precarious future. While we know that airports of all sizes have “eggs-ponential” potential, municipal politicians sometimes have a more challenging time seeing the value in their local facilities. AMCO is striving to work at the local level to demonstrate the importance of what goes on at airports through public advocacy, attendance at events such as the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference and at local meetings where the future of the airport is in question.

Finally, I hope you have had an “eggs-hilarating” time seeking out some of today’s “eggs”. Throughout this edition of the Airport Environment and You, you will read stories of the current challenges and successes from Ontario’s airports.  We appreciate all of our members, partners, and supporters and are “eggs-tremely” grateful to be working alongside you towards filling our collective basket bringing great success to all involved.

Sincerely,

Laura McNeice

The Study of Ontario’s Airports and Aerodromes prepared for the Airport Management Council of Ontario (AMCO) by HM Aero Aviation Consulting has revealed the major challenges that have and continue to affect Ontario’s airports such as the COVID-19 pandemic, regulatory changes at the federal level, municipal financial pressures, and decreasing public and political will, as well as the persistent need for provincial and federal funding support.

AMCO President and Director of Region of Waterloo International Airport Chris Wood, AAE says “This study is imperative to understanding the vital role of Ontario’s airports within our province. It captures the complexity of the issues confronting the airport operators and the critical need for provincial and federal funding support.”

Ontario’s airports have directly contributed to our economy for decades and play a pivotal role in the communities they serve. These airports facilitate medevac flights, disaster evacuation, wildfire suppression, law enforcement activities and support local businesses.

Airports are required to maintain a wide-ranging series of infrastructure assets to meet the requirements of a highly regulated air transportation industry and to support safe aircraft operations.  The degradation of infrastructure threatens the future of Ontario’s airports.

Looking ahead, the Study recommends that the Government of Ontario take on an increased leadership role in championing the provincial airport network and:

• Implement a new Ontario airport capital funding program similar to models utilized by other provincial governments by putting in place a mechanism for the reinvestment of the aviation fuel tax revenues into Ontario’s airports;
• Restore the joint industry and government Ontario Air Advisory Panel to address issues of concern and set priorities.

In addition to the recommended call to action at the provincial level, the Study recognizes the important role that federal support ha served in ensuring the continued availability of Ontario’s airports in the past decades. At the federal level, the following recommendations are made to the Government of Canada for targeted supports to ensure the continued availability and safety of the country’s airports:

• Permanently increase the budget of the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) to $95M per year in order to appropriately address the needs and costs associated with implementing safety-related projects at the airports;
• Recapitalize the Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI) to support the community airports not eligible for ACAP funding.

This study highlights the importance of Ontario’s airports as economic drivers and critical social assets, as well as longstanding gaps in capital funding support. To ensure that Ontario’s airports can continue to serve the province’s residents, businesses, and communities, provincial and federal funding is imperative to complete critical infrastructure renewal projects.

In the coming years, it is expected that success will, more than ever, be contingent on effective partnerships between airport operators and the provincial and federal levels of government. Through effective and targeted support, the preservation of the airport network of transportation assets can occur, ensuring that their critical social and economic benefits can be realized within their surrounding communities and across Ontario.

Click Here to read the Study

• Past PresidentDuane Riddell
• PresidentChris Wood
• Vice PresidentTerry Bos
• TreasurerMarion Smith
• Southwestern Regional DirectorLuke Van Der Mark
• Southeastern Regional DirectorChris Drumm
• Northwestern Regional DirectorShari Gentes
• Northeastern Regional DirectorGiovanna Verrilli
• Business RepresentativeRob Shevalier

To view a Board Member’s Bio click on their picture above