It looks like the Town of Yarmouth will pull out of the Yarmouth International Airport Corporation.
Council’s Committee of the Whole voted unanimously to accept the recommendation presented by CAO Jeff Gushue.
It must be voted on by the full council at the next regular meeting in two weeks.
The town will withdraw from the YIAC when the current intermunicipal agreement ends March 31.
Mayor Pam Mood told the committee it’s not a negative thing.
“This is simply making it easier for governance to take place. Because we do trust and have confidence in our partners that this is a good way to go make thing simpler for decisions to happen.”
In his report to council the CAO noted that between 2005 and today, the three municipalities have collectivley invested over $8 million in taxpayers dollars into keeping the airport operational.
Here is the link to the Airport Report: https://www.townofyarmouth.ca/go.php?f=31417
Approximately 30% or $2.4 million of that is from Town of Yarmouth.
The recommendation also stipulates that, subject to successful negotiation of the withdrawal, the Town of Yarmouth will consider providing an operating grant equal to its share of their projected deficit of $558,000 for up to 2 years.
The three councils met on Wednesday with a facilitator to discuss a vision for the airport.
A person who was at the meeting, speaking with CJLS News on the condition of anonymity, says Mayor Mood said the town was considering pulling out and everyone was in shock.
Reported by Gary Nickerson
(CJLS News file photo)
