airport news:
Media.
This page outlines various media sources directly and indirectly related to the Allan J Maceachen regional airport and our service provider, Celtic air services.
Allan J MacEachen Regional Airport
June 2017
Luxury Travel Blog, Amber, June 18, 2017 Private Jet Charter for Golf at Cabot Links in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia (CYPD, CYQY) The blog provides charter flight options into Port Hastings, which is minutes away from Port Hawkesbury, and about an hour by car to Cabot Links. The blog notes “Luxury Aircraft Solutions” can arrange ground transportation for transport to Cabot Links upon arrival in Nova Scotia.
July 2017
CBC News, Hal Higgins, July 11, 2017 Port Hawkesbury Airport upgrades to help with 4,000% flight increase Article reports on the growth in aircraft landings and the upgrades and new services being provided by Celtic Air Services to accommodate the substantial growth at the Port Hawkesbury Airport.
CTV Atlantic, Dan MacIntosh, July 12, 2017 Celtic Air to take over operation of Port Hawkesbury Airport Video report by Dan MacIntosh interviews new Celtic Air Services owner Dave Morgan, about taking over operations at the airport in Port Hastings; others interviewed are Airport Committee chairperson and Port Hawkesbury elected official Trevor Boudreau, as well as private aircraft pilot and airport patron Clark Brander.
October 2017
Cape Breton Post, Christian Roach (christian.roach@cbpost.com) October 2, 2017 Celtic Air Services ready for takeoff at Port Hawkesbury Airport Roach interviews Dave Morgan, owner of Celtic Air Services, a local airport services company, that will take over operational duties, has begun construction on an executive lounge, hired five new employees and plans to upgrade fuel services.
December 2017
CTV Atlantic, Ryan MacDonald, December 16, 2017 Port Hawkesbury votes to rename airport after MacEachen Video report by Ryan MacDonald interviews Mayor of Port Hawkesbury Brenda Chisholm-Beaton and Celtic Air Services staff Wendy Embree. The report details the role of Allan J MacEachen in the foundation of the airport in Port Hastings as well as his accomplishments as a political figure, and the unanimous support of the Port Hawkesbury Town Council in the name change, as it better reflects the regional nature and role of the airport.
April 2018
Cape Breton Post, Chris Shannon (chris.shannon@cbpost.com) Apr 06, 2018 Catering to jet set crowd at Port Hawkesbury airport Article reports on the growth of the Allan J MacEachen Regional Airport and new service providers, Celtic Air Services and company president and owner, Dave Morgan.
CBC News, Wendy Martin (wendy.martin@cbc.ca), April 23, 2018 Port Hawkesbury airport operators partner with Florida consultant for inaugural Highlands Keltic Classic Article reports on the pursuit of new opportunities by Celtic Air Services via the commission of Kimberly Ibarra of Fort Lauderdale who is a "luxury consultant" and works with clients like Embraer Executive Jets, PXG golf clubs and Boat International Media. The Highlands Keltic Classic golfers arrive in Port Hawkesbury by private jet, travel to Ingonish and the Highlands Links by helicopter, and stay at the Keltic Lodge.
May 2018
CBC News, Tom Ayers (tom.ayers@cbc.ca), May 31, 2018 Snowbirds are main attraction at Port Hawkesbury air show Article reports on the Snowbirds air show organized by Celtic Air Services, hosted in Port Hastings at the Allan J MacEachen Regional Airport.
October 2018
Cape Breton Post, Chris Shannon (chris.shannon@cbpost.com) October 30, 2018 A bird’s-eye view of Cape Breton Article reports on Celtic Air Services and company president and owner, Dave Morgan, on the expansion of his company to included 15-minute helicopter tours as part of his “experiential tourism” packages launch due for May 2019.
December 2018
Cape Breton Post, Chris Shannon (chris.shannon@cbpost.com) December 27, 2018 Our Journalists' Picks: Chris Shannon: Celtic Air Services Ltd. launched helicopter tours in October Article reports on Celtic Air Services and company president and owner, Dave Morgan, on the November 2018 award for the new tourism business of the year at the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia’s annual gathering in Halifax.
July 2019
101.5 The Hawk. July 22, 2019 Port Hawkesbury town councillors have voted to explore talks with members of other communities to come up with a plan for integrated air travel in the region. Brenda Chisholm-Beaton, the mayor of the town, says they want to use existing transportation infrastructure to connect all parts of the region. She says existing air infrastructure should be able to fulfill growing tourism needs without compromising other air services. After a special council meeting Thursday, Chisholm-Beaton told The Hawk they want to start building a plan to connect the region. “How can we, essentially, grow and connect the island of Cape Breton in a way that utilizes our two existing air assets?” she said. “We connect the entire island, even the farthest reaches, by coming up with a strategy- we’re working together so that we’re competing globally, rather than competing with each other internally on Cape Breton Island.”
August 2019
Cape Breton Post, Nancy King (nancy.king@cbpost.com) August 29, 2019 Tender called for crack sealing at Port Hawkesbury airport Nancy King reports on an extensive crack-sealing tender for the runway at the Allan J MacEachen Regional Airport located in Port Hastings. King interviews Town of Port Hawkesbury Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Terry Doyle regarding the work.
December 2019
101.5 The Hawk, December 4, 2019 Town Officials to Explore Airport Partnership. The Hawk reports on a motion of the Port Hawkesbury Town Council to support conversations regarding a new ownership model for the Allan J MacEachen Regional Airport. Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton will be reaching out to First Nation and Municipal Councils in the future to gauge interest.
CBC Radio, Information Morning, Steve Sutherland. December 6, 2019. Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton on new ownership model for the Allan J MacEachen Regional Airport. Sutherland interviews Mayor of Port Hawkesbury about the motion made by council to explore new ownership models for the Allan J MacEachen Regional Airport.
The Reporter, Drake Lowther (drakelowthers@porthawkesburyreporter.com) December 10, 2019 Port Hawkesbury Considers Changing Ownership Model for Airport. Reporter Drake Lowthers reports on a motion of the Port Hawkesbury Town Council to support conversations regarding a new ownership model for the Allan J MacEachen Regional Airport. Lowthers interviews Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton and Airport Chair and Town Councillor Dr. Trevor Boudreau.
A Pending Issue:
Media.
The following media outlines both the issue and impact involving a proposal to build a seasonal airport in inverness approximately one hour’s drive from the allan j Maceachen regional airport.
June 2019
The Macdonald Notebook. Andrew Macdonald (andrew@themacdonaldnotebook.ca), June 1, 2019 Cabot Links Wants more government money to build an airport Andrew Macdonald was the first reporter to break the story. Macdonald reports there is a plan for Ben Cowan-Dewar to build an $18 million airport near the village of Inverness close to Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs golf resorts. Macdonald interviews Dave Morgan, owner of Celtic Air services and former mayor Billy Joe MacLean of the Town of Port Hawkesbury who both state such a plan would be detrimental to the existing Allan J MacEachen Regional Airport in Port Hastings.
101.5 The Hawk. June 10, 2019 The president of the company that operates the Allan J. MacEachen Port Hawkesbury Airport says federal investment in an Inverness airport would spell the end of the Port Hawkesbury facility. David Morgan with Celtic Air Services says he and municipal officials have heard on good authority federal officials are considering funding a new airport for the Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs golf courses in Inverness. Morgan tells The Hawk there’s no way two airports could survive in such a small area. “The government building an airport in Inverness would literally bankrupt us,” he says. “It’s terrifying for myself, my family, and my Celtic Air family, the folks that have put the blood, sweat and tears into building this business.”
Cape Breton Post. Chris Shannon (chris.shannon@cbpost.com) June 10, 2019 Fly to Inverness? Feds considering money for a commercial airport in western Cape Breton Shannon reports on comments by Cape Breton-Canso MP Rodger Cuzner who said the idea of building an airport with scheduled flights in and out of Inverness has been around for more than a decade, confirmed by Cabot Links general manager Andrew Alkenbrack who said the golf resort has “long sought” commercial air service for western Cape Breton. Shannon reports concerns by Celtic Air Services and the Town of Port Hawkesbury regarding the Allan J MacEachen Airport, and potential negative impacts.
The Macdonald Notebook. Andrew Macdonald (andrew@themacdonaldnotebook.ca), June 11, 2019 Attention Rodger Cuzner: Twin the 104 HWY all the way to the Canso Causeway - Don’t Pour Taxpayers Dollars into building an airport in Inverness Macdonald reports that if the Trudeau government wants to improve the lives of Nova Scotians then twinning the highway from Antigonish to the Canso Causeway would make highway travel much safer. Macdonald notes few Nova Scotians would use or benefit from federal money used to build an airport at Cabot Links.
101.5 The Hawk. June 12, 2019 Town councillors in Port Hawkesbury have voted to send letters to various political leaders regarding the future of the Allan J. MacEachen airport. At June’s regular town council meeting Tuesday night, Brenda Chisholm-Beaton, Port Hawkesbury’s mayor, said Cape Breton-Canso MP Rodger Cuzner confirmed federal officials are considering a funding proposal for a new airport in Inverness to service the Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs golf courses. Town officials voted to send letters to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Stephen McNeil and Bernadette Jordan, the federal minister of rural economic development, to voice their opposition during Tuesday’s meeting.
CBC News. Wendy Martin. June 13, 2019. Political dispute brews over proposed airport near Cape Breton golf hub: Mayor says airport catering to Inverness golfers would likely 'bankrupt' Port Hawkesbury airport Martin provides multiple perspectives regarding the proposed Inverness Airport, from the Mayor of Port Hawkesbury Brenda Chisholm-Beaton, MP Rodger Cuzner, Celtic Air Services owner Dave Morgan, Andrew Alkenbrack (the manager of Cabot Links) and CEO Mike MacKinnon of the J.D. McCurdy Airport in Sydney.
101.5 The Hawk. June 14, 2019 A local MP says a proposed Inverness airport would be good for the province and the island, but he understands concerns about the impact on the Allan J MacEachen Port Hawkesbury Airport. Cuzner says one of the biggest advantages of the proposed Inverness airport would be scheduled commercial flights, which is something the Port Hawkesbury airport doesn’t do. He says the Port Hawkesbury airport handles private flights, but says 80% of golf tourists fly into the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, and drive the 3.5 hours to the Inverness County golf courses.
Chronicle Herald, Aaron Beswick (abeswick@herald.ca) June 17, 2019 Rumours swirl about possible federal money for Inverness airport Beswick reports on unconfirmed information, and various questions and concerns by local stakeholders. Beswick reports the Mayor of Port Hawkesbury says, “This proposal is not, in my mind, sustainable economic development that would benefit the Strait region. Having two airports within an hour’s drive just doesn’t make sustainable economic sense,” whereas the Warden of Inverness Conty states, “There was confirmation of it by a few sources — it will very likely happen.”
101.5 The Hawk. June 20, 2019 Officials in the Municipality of the District of Guysborough have thrown their support behind the Allan J. MacEachen Port Hawkesbury Airport. Vernon Pitts, the warden of Guysborough, said “We’ve had ongoing support for the Allan J. MacEachen Airport in Port Hawkesbury since it was taken over by the town,” he said. “Since that day going forward, we’ve continued to support it.” Pitts said the airport is an important piece of infrastructure for the region. “We’ve had Vulcan Minerals fly in their corporate jet different times- there’s been various other corporations that have been dealing with the municipality that also fly into there,” he said. “It’s a good fit for the eastern end of the province.” Pitts said provincial and federal officials should do some much needed infrastructure repairs and upgrades to keep the airport sustainable and up and running.
CBC News. Tom Ayers. June 20, 2019. N.S. to consider investment in proposed Inverness County airport: Owners of Cabot Links, Cabot Cliffs golf courses seeking airport to bring in players, guests Ayers reports that Premier Stephen McNeil says the provincial and federal governments are prepared to consider funding a new airport in Inverness County, N.S. Ayers goes on to report that the owners of Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs golf courses have been asking for an airport to be built that would bring golfers closer to their operations.
Cape Breton Post. Nancy King (nancy.king@cbpost.com) June 20, 2019 Inverness airport project has Ottawa's support: premier King reports that Premier Stephen McNeil says the federal government asked the province to include a proposed airport for the village of Inverness on its list of infrastructure priorities and that it intends to do so. King also reports that Business Minister Geoff MacLellan said he didn’t have a lot of detail about the business case for the Inverness proposal but said it’s been on the radar for a number of years.
Cape Breton Post. Chris Shannon (chris.shannon@cbpost.com) June 21, 2019 Port Hawkesbury town council hires PR agency to find out answers on proposed Inverness airport Shannon reports that the Town of Port Hawkesbury has hired a government public relations firm in Ottawa to seek out answers to questions it has on a proposed airport for the village of Inverness. Shannon notes that among the issues the town wants public relations firm Proof Strategies to uncover are related to consultations with any local municipalities, residents, businesses, First Nation communities or the provincial government.
The Macdonald Notebook. Andrew Macdonald (andrew@themacdonaldnotebook.ca), June 21, 2019 Pilot Kingsley Brown: Government Money for Cabot Links Airport would be ‘corporate welfare for one-percenters’ Macdonald reports his interview with Kingsley Brown who states, “With the ever-widening gap between pinched Canadians and the comfortable executives, it takes real gall to ask Canada to pay for, in effect, a private airport…”
Cape Breton Post. Chris Shannon (chris.shannon@cbpost.com) June 22, 2019 Port Hawkesbury, several other municipalities unhappy with federal support for Inverness airport project Shannon reports that most municipal units in northeastern Nova Scotia are mobilizing support alongside the Town of Port Hawkesbury to stymie the efforts for public funding for a new commercial airport in Inverness, Cape Breton.
CTV Atlantic. Michael Tutton, THE CANADIAN PRESS, June 22, 2019 Cape Breton town writes to prime minister opposing funds for airport Tutton reports on the Town of Port Hawkesbury and their grave concerns about a new airport proposed for Inverness county and the impact it would have on the existing Allan J. MacEachen airport. Tutton also writes about Cape Breton Canso Nova Scotia MP Rodger Cuzner’s support of the new airport as well as Conservative MP for Barrie-Innisfil Ontario, John Brassard’s criticism of the $18 million spend that would put an existing airport at risk.
The Macdonald Notebook. Andrew Macdonald (andrew@themacdonaldnotebook.ca), June 23, 2019 Cabot Links Airport: Global Aviation Executive Pans Inverness Airport Project Macdonald reports on the reflections of an aviation executive regarding the proposed airport to service the golf courses near Inverness; the executive states, “If he wants to do it privately no problem - but if he wants to put more federal and provincial money into an airport, when we already have airports in the province that are under utilized - it would amaze me the province would even consider it.”
Cape Breton Post. Chris Shannon (chris.shannon@cbpost.com) June 24, 2019. Lobby effort intensifies with Inverness airport proposal Shannon reviews notable people listed on a website launched — buildcapebreton.ca — to drum up support for an $18 million Inverness airport proposal being considered by a federal government review process.
The Macdonald Notebook. Andrew Macdonald (andrew@themacdonaldnotebook.ca), June 24, 2019 Cabot Links Airport: Yarmouth Airport Official Cliff Hood: “Inverness Airport could become money pit for Governments In the article, Andrew Macdonald interviews Cliff Hood, director of the Yarmouth Airport, and a former lawyer, aviation pilot and municipal Councillor. Hood believes the proposed Inverness airport will become a “money pit” and a municipal unit will likely be stuck with it.
101.5 The Hawk. June 25, 2019 Officials in the Town of Mulgrave have thrown their support behind the Allan J. MacEachen Port Hawkesbury Airport. After June’s regular town council meeting Monday night, Ralph Hadley, Mulgrave’s mayor, told The Hawk a second airport in the region doesn’t make sense. “I thought it was ridiculous that they were going to do that,” he said. “Council did say that they would draw up a letter, and it’s gone out.” Hadley said they’ve sent the letter to federal and provincial officials. He said it’s an attraction to have Port Hawkesbury’s airport, and a lot of local companies use it.
CBC News. Tom Ayers. June 25, 2019 Political heavyweights back campaign for airport near Inverness golf course: New website features messages in support of new Cape Breton airport to increase regional tourism Ayers reports on the supporters, including several former premiers, who are backing a campaign to build a new airport in rural Cape Breton to support the Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs golf courses.
Cape Breton Spectator. Mary Campbell. June 26, 2019 Considering the Case for an Inverness Airport Mary Campbell reviews the website promoting an $18 million dollar seasonal airport project to bring commercial flights to Western Cape Breton. Campbell concludes that the $18 million public investment for a new airport might not the best use of public money in 2019.
101.5 The Hawk. June 27, 2019 The mayor of Port Hawkesbury says a PR firm hired by the town to support their lobbying efforts is an important part of having their voice heard. Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton says, the Ottawa based, government relations firm Proof Strategies had the lobbying expertise required. “Through their connections they were able to ensure that our letter, that was written to the Prime Minister’s office, was expedited,” she says. “A little bit more so than through the usual channels.” Chisholm-Beaton says Port Hawkesbury’s airport committee and council agreed to hire the firm. She says the firm is paid for through the Allan J. MacEachen Port Hawkesbury Airport’s reserve fund.
Chronicle Herladt. Chris Shannon (chris.shannon@cbpost.com) June 27, 2019 Committee chair says Cabot Links welcome to take over Port Hawkesbury airport Shannon reports that the chair of the committee overseeing operations at the Allan J MacEachen Airport says there’s an open invitation for Cabot Links golf resort to take over the airport if it means the federal government does not go ahead with funding the construction of a new regional airport in Inverness.
CBC News. Tom Ayers. June 28, 2019 Proposed airport is talk of the town across Inverness County Ayers reports on interviews with Warden Betty Ann MacQuarrie, Councillor Jim Mustard, and others. Ayers reports, “Inverness Warden Betty Ann MacQuarrie says some residents are for a new airport and some are against, but for now, council just wants answers.” The Inverness Council has asked Ben Cowan-Dewar to meet.
Chronicle Herald. Contributed: Marlene MacDonald. June 29, 2019 LETTER OF THE WEEK: Rethink airport for Inverness Resident of Inverness County, Marlene MacDonald outlines her disdain for the use of $18 million in public funding for an airport when there are so many other priority areas the money could be spent on.
Chronicle Herald. Contributed: Waye Mason. June 29, 2019 WAYE MASON: Pause Inverness airport until Nova Scotia has an airport strategy Waye Mason is the president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities (NSFM). He suggests the Provincial government of Nova Scotia could benefit from a province-wide study of Nova Scotia’s air assets and to develop a provincial airport strategy; this would help inform any future needs to build new air infrastructure.Se
July 2019
101.5 The Hawk. July 3, 2019 Inverness’s MLA says he doesn’t see a good business case for a second airport in the county. Conservative MLA Allan MacMaster says he was surprised when the proposal for an Inverness airport, which has been shelved before because of cost, reappeared. MacMaster tells The Hawk he does want to see investment in the region, he just wants to see government money well spent. “While it would be nice to have a $18 million injection into the constituency and the community of Inverness,” he says. “We want these kinds of investments to make sense.” MacMaster says he can think of better places to spend that much money, like the county’s roads. Also, MacMaster says he’d rather see an attempt to put commercial traffic through Port Hawkesbury’s existing airport, and he says he doesn’t think the county couldn’t sustain two airports.
Chronicle Herald, Aaron Beswick (abeswick@herald.ca) July 3, 2019 Taxpayers to fund Inverness airport project, Port Hawkesbury mayor believes Beswick reports Port Hawkesbury mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton says she was informed by a federal government staffer that it is an $18 million project to be paid for by taxpayers and split between the provincial and federal governments. Beswick also reports local municipalities were not consulted.
Chronicle Herald. Editorial. July 4, 2019 Inverness airport case thin The editorial discusses the many unanswered questions about a controversial proposal to use $18 million in taxpayers’ money to build an airport close to Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs golf courses near Inverness.
CTV Atlantic. Ryan MacDonald, July 4, 2019 N.S. premier asks legislature to fund Inverness airport at Ottawa's request Video report by Ryan MacDonald interviews Premier Stephen McNeil, who states the proposed airport for Inverness was not a provincial priority, but was placed on the Province’s priority list because the federal government wanted it there. Ryan MacDonald also interviews the Mayor of the Town of Port Hawkesbury and Conservative leader Tim Houston.
Social media (Facebook). Allan MacMaster - MLA (Inverness). July 4, 2019 Questions need answers for proposed Inverness airport MacMaster asks questions related to the proposed Inverness airport; he states, “How many passengers on how many flights, paying how many fees, will it take for this proposed Inverness airport to break even? In short, at what time does the public get their money back for this investment?” MacMaster states, “ If in fact commercial flights coming from Toronto and New York can be set up, why not start by flying them to Port Hastings? Flying in from Halifax would not make a lot of sense, but if they are coming from those large centres and from such distances, an hour drive to Inverness would be comparable to other courses. It would save the $18 million and any annual operating shortfalls, and it could start tomorrow. If the federal and provincial governments are sincere about helping western Cape Breton Island, there are many other priorities for that $18 million.”
Cape Breton Post, Nancy King (nancy.king@cbpost.com) July 5, 2019 Funding terms for Inverness airport proposal still unclear, says premier King reports Premier Stephen McNeil says it’s still unclear the proportions of funding the two upper levels of government would put into a proposed Inverness airport if it goes ahead, but the contributions wouldn’t be evenly split and are still in discussions.
The Macdonald Notebook. Andrew Macdonald (andrew@themacdonaldnotebook.ca), July 6, 2019 Cabot Links Airport: Elmer MacKay: Inverness Airport Project “Mindless use” of Government Funds In the article, Andrew Macdonald interviews Elmer MacKay, former Member of Parliament with the Federal Government of Canada. MacKay expresses his concerns about the future of the Port Hawkesbury airport and suggests expanding helicopter services as an alternative.
The Macdonald Notebook. Andrew Macdonald (andrew@themacdonaldnotebook.ca), July 6, 2019 Cabot Links Airport: Fishtocrat John Risley Pans Tax Dollars for Inverness Airport. Suggests Helicopter Service from Port Hawkesbury and Sydney Airports In the article, Andrew Macdonald interviews John Risley, self-made billionaire and co-founder of Clearwater Seafoods. Risley suggests helicopter services is more viable and that if the airport project goes forward there should be private investment to pay for it.
The Macdonald Notebook. Andrew Macdonald (andrew@themacdonaldnotebook.ca), July 6, 2019 Cabot Links Airport: Michele McKenzie Builds a Case for the Inverness Airport Macdonald reports on his interview with Michele McKenzie, former Nova Scotia deputy minister of tourism. McKenzie notes the proposed airport will pursue seasonal commercial flights to Inverness. Macdonald asked McKenzie if she’d seen the proposed airport business plan? McKenzie notes, “I am not privy to the business plan.”
The Macdonald Notebook. Andrew Macdonald (andrew@themacdonaldnotebook.ca), July 6, 2019 Cabot Links Airport: Decision Could Rest with Powerful Liberal Glace Bay Politico Triumvirate Macdonald reports that three political figures from Glace Bay may wield significant influence over decision to fund proposed Inverness airport; he names MP Rodger Cuzner, Nova Scotia Business Minister Geoff MacLellan and federal former staffer Gerald Butts.
Chronicle Herald, Aaron Beswick (abeswick@herald.ca) July 8, 2019 Inverness rife with airport rumours Beswick reports on rumors and facts about the proposed Inverness airport.
Chronicle Herald. Contributed: Phillip Jennex. July 9, 2019 Counterpoint: Logistics & liabilities: Inverness airstrip idea hasn't been thought through Phillip Jennex was the first manager of the airport located in Port Hastings, now called the Allan J MacEachen Regional Airport. Jennex states, “Every taxpayer in the country should be taking a long, hard look at this new Inverness airport proposal.” Jennex discusses many questions yet answered about logistics and liabilities for the proposed seasonal airport. He states, “So where will they actually locate this airport in relation to the town? There is a reason why airports are built a 30-or-more minute drive away from a populated area. Noise, risk management, etc. Name a place where you can disembark from an aircraft and be at the golf course in less than 30 (or more) minutes. Yes, Fox Harb’r, but who paid for that airport? Not the taxpayers. Who maintains that airport? Not the taxpayers!”
Cape Breton Post, David Jala (davidjala@cbpost.com) July 10, 2019 CBRM seeking more information on proposed Inverness airport CBRM councillors voiced their opinions against any plan to use taxpayer dollars to fund an airport for well-off golfers traveling to Inverness, some saying it makes no sense given that the Port Hawkesbury airport is just an hour drive away; Mayor Clarke notes CBRM council needs more information.
101.5 The Hawk. July 11, 2019 Inverness Municipal Council still has not taken an official position on a proposal for an Inverness airport, but the warden says she’s for investment in the municipality. At yesterday’s regular council meeting, council agreed to the 4 groups who needed representatives at a meeting after the municipality’s CAO told council he had not been able to schedule a meeting yet. The groups Inverness council wants to hear from are the federal government, the provincial government, Port Hawkesbury airport management, and Cabot management.
101.5 The Hawk. July 11, 2019 A municipal councillor in Inverness Co. says the warden’s comments on a potential airport in Inverness don’t reflect council. John Dowling, the councillor for District 6 (Hastings/Judique/West Bay), tells The Hawk MacQuarrie was speaking for herself. “It appears that the warden was speaking in support of putting another airport in the municipality,” he says. “We haven’t made an official stance- the warden shouldn’t be making those comments as a representative of the municipality.” Dowling says his personal support is behind the Allan J. MacEachen Airport, which is in his district.
Cape Breton Post, Chris Shannon (chris.shannon@cbpost.com) July 11, 2019 Cabot Links estimates airport could generate 600 jobs: Inverness proposal has been criticized for lacking business case Chris Shannon reviews the 5-page business case sent to media that promotes the need for direct air access to the western Cape Breton. Shannon makes note of the lack of precise sources for some facts as well as unattributed statistics in the report.
CBC News, Tom Ayers (tom.ayers@cbc.ca), July 11, 2019 Port Hawkesbury ramps up campaign against new Inverness airport Tom Ayers writes about the Town of Port Hawkesbury’s mayor who is seeking island-wide support for a collaborative approach to support the existing McCurdy and the Allan J airports. CBRM council supports the idea of an island wide approach to grow Island tourism.
Halifax Examiner, Tim Bousquet, July 11, 2019 The Cabot Links airport uses a “social enterprise” designation created for farmers’ markets Bousquet writes about the “Cape Breton Island Airport Community Interest Company” registered by Ben Cowan-Dewar with the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stocks. The article reviews this interest company as well as its “community interest plan.”
CBC News. Michael Gorman (michael.gorman@cbc.ca), July 12, 2019 No way to validate economic predictions for proposed Inverness airport: 'Confidentially sensitive’ study belongs to Cabot Links Golf Resort, won't be released Gorman reports that the people behind the proposal to bring an airport to Inverness County, N.S. will not explain how they reached their predictions for employment and economic spinoffs they say the project would create.
The Macdonald Notebook. Andrew Macdonald (andrew@themacdonaldnotebook.ca), July 13, 2019 Cabot Links Airport: Bruce Evans Drills Down On Ben Cowan-Dewar’s ‘Business Case’ Macdonald reports on his interview with Bruce Evans, a private pilot with experience with airport viability. Macdonald reports that Evans does not believe there the proposed airport will be viable. Evans notes, “if this airport is such a great economic opportunity, benefiting both the golf course and surrounding region, why aren’t the promoters offering to pick up even a nickle of the cost? The question answers itself.”
101.5 The Hawk. July 16, 2019 Members of a taxpayer advocacy group say government officials shouldn’t be using tax dollars to pay for an airport in Inverness. Paige MacPherson, the Atlantic director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, says tax dollars shouldn’t be used to build an airport for a private golf course, especially when the business plan doesn’t prove the need for one. She says Cabot reps should show their work and prove the business case- if there is one- for an Inverness airport. MacPherson tells The Hawk Cabot reps should pay for an airport themselves if they want one, not taxpayers. MacPherson says government officials also shouldn’t be using tax dollars to pick winners and losers in the local air travel industry.
Chronicle Herald. Francis Campbell (fcampbell@herald.ca). July 16, 2019 Taxpayers federation calls for transparency on Yarmouth ferry, Inverness airport plan Campbell reports on the campaign launched by the Taxpayers Federation of Canada who argue against poor public infrastructure investments.
GoCapeBreton, Joe Ward, July 16, 2019 Cabot Links Airport, NSCC Marconi, and the Sydney Container Port Joe Ward notes the importance of “asking good questions” and “doing our best to understand the business case for proposed projects.”
101.5 The Hawk. July 18, 2019 Members of an Inverness Co. environmental group say $18 million for an airport could be better spent, and they’ve got a plan for how. Neal Livingston, the co-chair of the Margaree Environmental Association, says an aquatic centre and gymnastic facility would keep tourists in the area longer than an airport. He says they’re asking municipal councillors in Inverness Co. to write Premier Stephen McNeil to ask him to withdraw support for airport funding.
Cape Breton Post, Chris Shannon (chris.shannon@cbpost.com) July 18, 2019 Cabot not main beneficiary of Inverness airport, says Cowan-Dewar Shannon interviews Ben Cowan-Dewar regarding the proposed Inverness Airport. Cowan-Dewar says Cabot will not be the main beneficiary of the airport because their golf resorts are at capacity; he also says only about 2.5 per cent of his clients arrive via the Port Hawkesbury airport.
CBC News, Tom Ayers (tom.ayers@cbc.ca), July 18, 2019 Details emerge on proposed new airport for Inverness Tom Ayers interviews main Inverness airport proponent Ben Cowan-Dewar who notes the seasonal airport is to be built on Crown land off of Campbellton Road, located 5 kms northeast of Inverness. Ayers also interviews Chief Rod Googoo who notes Unama’ki chiefs were not consulted.
Chronicle Herald. Francis Campbell (fcampbell@herald.ca). July 18, 2019 Port Hastings airport operator says Inverness plan would kill his business Campbell reports on the detrimental impact the proposed Inverness Airport would have on Celtic Air Services owner Dave Morgan who operates out of the Allan J MacEachen Regional Airport in Port Hastings.
Chronicle Herald. Francis Campbell (fcampbell@herald.ca). July 19, 2019 Environmental group wants Inverness airport grounded by council Campbell reports on the Margaree Environmental Association who is urging Inverness County council to approve a resolution saying the county does not support any new airport development request for airport funding from Ottawa. The group suggests alternate use for the public dollars.
Chronicle Herald. Francis Campbell (fcampbell@herald.ca). July 21, 2019 Proposed Inverness airport could encroach on nature reserve Campbell reports on the build site for the proposed Inverness airport and opposition to the plan.
The Casket. Chris Shannon (chris.shannon@cbpost.com) July 22, 2019 Debt-ridden Port Hawkesbury airport a possibility, says mayor Shannon reports that the Town of Port Hawkesbury has laid out a financial forecast of the airport it owns in the event an airport near Inverness is approved, and it paints a picture of red ink. He reports that the projected financial statement assumes the operator of the Allan J. MacEachen Regional Airport is forced out of business and the surrounding municipalities must step in to keep it open. Port Hawkesbury Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton's office released a projected financial statement with a $247,500 annual shortfall if all golf-related traffic was diverted to an airport in Inverness and the three municipalities had to pay for the regional airport’s operating expenses. Adding capital expenses to the mix would cost an extra $200,000 a year, the one-page statement indicated, because of $3.4 million in “urgent infrastructure improvements” based on a consultant’s analysis of the airport’s capital needs.
CBC News, Tom Ayers (tom.ayers@cbc.ca), July 23, 2019 CBU business dean says Inverness airport proposal lacks major details: Dean of CBU business school says lack of an agreement on land is a major gap in the business case Ayers reports on an interview with George Karaphillis, dean of CBU's business school, who said there are major gaps in the business case. In the interview Ayers notes of Karaphillis, “the so-called business case posted online in support of the airport proposal lacks important details.,” and it is not really a business case.
CBC News, Tom Ayers (tom.ayers@cbc.ca), Frances Willick, July 25, 2019 Ottawa rejects proposal for Inverness airport, says more details needed Ayers reports that Nova Scotia Federal Minister Bernadette Jordan cancelled the review for the proposed airport. Ayers also reports that Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil released a statement saying “if Ottawa decides to conduct a future review of the proposal, the province would be willing to participate in a study on air access in Cape Breton that could benefit the rural economy and create jobs.”
Chronicle Herald. Francis Campbell (fcampbell@herald.ca). July 25, 2019 Federal government puts brakes on Inverness airport proposal Campbell reports on the cancellation of the review of the Inverness airport proposal by Nova Scotia Federal Minister Bernadette Jordan.
CTV Atlantic, Keith Doucette, THE CANADIAN PRESS, July 25, 2019 Federal minister cancels review, putting Inverness airport proposal on hold According to Doucette, Nova Scotia Federal Minister Bernadette Jordan cancelled the airport proposal review because there wasn't enough information to demonstrate how the airport project would "respond to Cape Breton's needs.”
101.5 The Hawk. July 30, 2019 The mayor of Port Hawkesbury says officials with the federal government made the right call to cancel the review of a proposed Inverness airport. Brenda Chisholm-Beaton says she never thought the proposal met the criteria for the Rural and Northern Communities stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Chisholm-Beaton tells The Hawk it’s the outcome she expected.
August 2019
Chronicle Herald. Francis Campbell (fcampbell@herald.ca). August 2, 2019 Province processing lease request for land for Inverness airport Campbell reports on the application to lease Crown land for an Inverness County airport that is still being processed despite the federal government putting the brakes on the project.
Cape Breton Post, Erin Pottie (erin.pottie@cbpost.com) August 9, 2019 Citizen group wants province to pull any interest in Inverness airport Pottie interviews Neal Livingston, co-chair of the Margaree Environmental Association. Livingston and other members are calling on Premier Stephen McNeil to withdraw any provincial interests in a proposed government-funded airport for Inverness.
CBC News, Tom Ayers (tom.ayers@cbc.ca), August 15, 2019 Push for Inverness airport project will resume, but not quickly Ayers reports on his interview with Ben Cowan-Dewar after his presentation to Inverness Council at their Committee of the Whole. Ayers notes, “Ben Cowan-Dewar, co-owner of the Cabot golf courses, says he will resubmit an application for federal funding for an airport in Inverness County, N.S., but not right away.”
Cape Breton Post, Nancy King (nancy.king@cbpost.com) August 15, 2019 Cabot Links co-founder tells Inverness council when airport application could be resubmitted Nancy King writes about a presentation by Ben Cowan-Dewar to Inverness County Council at their Committee of the Whole the morning of August 15th, 2019. On the topic of an Inverness airport proposal re-submission, she noted Cowan-Dewar would wait until after October’s federal election. King notes Cowan-Dewar was confronted by Inverness resident Anton Selkowitz about not installing a beach path for community access and the $1-per-round royalty paid to the Inverness Development Association.
Chronicle Herald, Aaron Beswick (abeswick@herald.ca) August 20, 2019 Documents reveal Cabot Links airport was on feds’ radar before public’s Beswick reports that months before an application was submitted, a Chronicle Herald access to information request for internal government emails shows a high level push from Infrastructure’s Canada’s deputy minister to direct staff to shop around for a program under which the federal government could fund an airport for Cabot Links.
Chronicle Herald, Editorial, August 21, 2019 Inverness airport proposal had wings before public clipped them This editorial asks, “Why was a top federal bureaucrat pushing a controversial airport proposal for Inverness in early April, only days after Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs co-owner Ben Cowan-Dewar registered a company backing the project?” - The latest revelations around a proposed airport in Inverness County have spawned more unanswered questions.
Chronicle Herald, Aaron Beswick (abeswick@herald.ca) August 22, 2019 Feds, province can’t agree who was pushing for Inverness airport Beswick reports that the federal government and the Nova Scotia government are both pointing fingers at one-another regarding the inception of an Invernss airport.
Chronicle Herald. Francis Campbell (fcampbell@herald.ca). August 22, 2019 Show community benefits to get Inverness airport off the ground: Rural development minister Campbell reports feedback from Federal Minister Bernadette Jordan regarding the need for collaboration before a re-submission could be made; Campbell interviews Mayor of Port Hawkesbury who notes she tried to contact Ben Cowan-Dewar abet unsuccessfully, and the need for an economic impact study for the Allan J MacEachen Regional Airport if a re-submission occurs.
September 2019
Cape Breton Post, Nancy King (nancy.king@cbpost.com) September 15, 2019 Cape Breton municipalities say they can work together despite lingering disagreement over airport Nancy King writes about lingering frustrations by Inverness Warden regarding the actions taken by Port Hawkesbury Town Council regarding the proposed Inverness airport. King reports that the Warden of Inverness and the Mayor of Port Hawkesbury indicate they will be able to work together going forward despite differing views over a proposed Inverness airport.
November 2019
Chronicle Herald. Francis Campbell (fcampbell@herald.ca). November 1, 2019 ‘Skewed’ phone survey pushes Inverness airport benefits, respondent says Campbell reports on a phone survey that indicates there is a renewed push for the proposed seasonal airport for central Inverness that was cancelled in late July 2019 by the Federal Government of Canada. Campbell interviews respondents about the interview, who note the questions are leading and skewed.