After over a year of deliberations, the Region of Queens has agreed to lease South Shore Regional Airport to the Nova Scotia Drag Racers Association (NSDRA).
Earlier this year the Region of Queens had made advanced plans to sell the airport for below market price to the NSDRA, however after concerns were raised by the community that plan ultimately failed to gain approval with council voting 5-3 against.
After going back to the drawing board, a lease was viewed as the next best option, which would allow the Region to maintain the asset while finding suitable tenants that would make good use of the facilities.
The NSDRA was still interested and after a few months of discussions, a 20-year lease of the drag way was put to council which they ultimately voted in favour of.
Communications from the NSDRA indicate they hope an agreement can be reached between the Region of Queens and the South Shore Flying Club, who were also interested in buying the airport so that they can continue to use the airport as they have for many years.
Prior to the lease agreement, both parties were able to make use of the airport, with both indicating throughout the sale and leasing process that they hope to continue that relationship moving forward.
The NSDRA are planning to put on six events for this year’s drag race season with the first slated for May 26th.
