Province Works with Municipality to find Location for Waterville Airport

The province and the Municipality of the County of Kings are looking for another location for the Waterville Airport.

They made the decision today, June 11, after an update to council on the Waterville Airport study.

"We will continue moving forward to look at the best options for the municipality, the Valley and the province," said Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Graham Steele. "Having possible relocation sites will help council reach a final decision about the airport."

"Putting the interests of our community first is our top priority," said County of Kings Warden Diana Brothers. "We want to make sure that we are making decisions that will benefit our community, both today and well into the future."

The Waterville Airport study is exploring potential expansion of the Michelin tire plant in Waterville. Michelin said there is no guarantee of an expansion, but it wants to be able to move quickly if the opportunity presents itself.

"A major Michelin expansion means new jobs and more opportunities for the Valley," said Mr. Steele. "We are providing the proper environment and necessary information so Michelin can explore the possibility."

The province will work with the municipality to further explore the 14 Wing Greenwood location, sending a joint letter to 14 Wing Greenwood to request a feasibility study.

The Waterville Airport study, co-ordinated by CBCL Ltd., is looking at the impacts, benefits and costs to relocate the Waterville Municipal Airport. The study is reviewing land uses and zoning as well as identifying, selecting and providing cost estimates for alternative sites.

The study is available at http://novascotia.ca/econ/docs/Waterville-FinalReport.pdf.