Preamble:  All of northern Manitoba is served by the Thompson Regional Airport. It is located 6 miles northwest of the City of Thompson, the largest municipality in northern Manitoba.  It has a catchment area of 37 communities and villages, servicing 50 per cent of the geographic area of Manitoba – a market area population of approximately 65,000.  Many of the communities it services are accessible only by air during a major portion of the year.

While the historical economic growth of Thompson has been rooted in mining, the economy has become more diversified with the majority of residents employed in the health, education, mining, government and service industries. Thompson has become recognized by all levels of government as the regional centre of trade and services for all of northern Manitoba. 

Based on 2009 aviation statistics, Thompson Regional Airport is the second most important airport in the province based on passenger and aircraft movements. 

The role of the Thompson airport has not changed significantly over the course of its history and the following role statements were developed for the 2007-2027 Land Use Plan:

-     The airport serves the air transportation needs of northern Manitoba and is considered the air “Hub of the North”;

-     The operation of the airport is vital for the social and economic well-being of the City of Thompson and northern Manitoba by providing scheduled and charter air passenger services, air cargo, air ambulance and aviation support services.  Air freight services provided by the airport are essential to allow regional businesses to operate efficiently and to provide essential supplies for residents without any interruptions;

-     The airport will increase its role serving the air freight needs of northern communities, resulting from reduced reliance on winter roads and rail service due to regional climate changes which have already reduced the reliability and service periods of winter roads in northern parts of Manitoba and the rail link (Omnitrax);

-     In addition to the airport owner/operator, and Canadian Air Transportation Safety Association there are fourteen organizations currently operating at the Thompson Regional Airport.  Eight of the tenants (57%) provide carrier services on a commercial or private basis.  Thompson is also the headquarters of the Calm Air International, the major carrier based at the airport, servicing clients from both the north and from Winnipeg. 

Other tenants include Custom Helicopters, Missinnippi Airways, RCMP Air Division and Manitoba Government Air.  During the fire season, the airport is home to the Manitoba Government air water bombers.  Of the remaining six tenants, two provide aviation support services (e.g., fuel), three provide airport commercial services (e.g., car rentals, food concessions).

Resolution:    That the City of Thompson, the Provincial Government and the Federal Government ,  as part of an overall northern Manitoba transportation and infrastructure strategy, support the  efforts of  the Thompson Regional Airport Authority to develop a new air terminal in Thompson so as to ensure all our outlying northern communities and residents have year-round access to health care, retail goods/services, and  education.

Resolution Report:  

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce produces Resolution reports as part of its commitment to be accountable to its members. The reports are updated as matters unfold and have two components:

MCC Advocacy: Specific activities the MCC has done to help make this Resolution a reality. 

Developments:  All other information (e.g. government action, media coverage, reports) that relates to Resolution. 

Advice, comments, and information sharing are welcome; simply enter a reply at the bottom of this post.

MCC Advocacy: 

May 11, 2010: The 2010-2011 Resolutions were posted on the MCC website, listed as part of a comprehensive Report on AGM 2010 and then notice of this story was circulated through the MCC E-Update is sent to all MCC members, Media and Government.

June 16, 2010: Resolution books were sent to every MLA and every Member of Parliament that hails from Manitoba. The following had this Resolution specifically drawn to their attention with a detailed letter setting out the background to this issue, Government initiatives (where applicable), and an argument for the Resolution:

• The Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation
• The Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs  

Developments:

August 11, 2010: Government of Canada Invests in Thompson Airport Upgrades. Find out more here.

October 15, 2010: The Honourable Steve Ashton, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation and Minister responsible for Emergency Measures, wrote to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce in relation to this matter. The Honourable Eric Robinson, Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Communities Economic Development Fund, also wrote to the Manitoba Chambers, indicating that he had reviewed Minister Ashton’s letter and trusted the Chambers would find the responses satisfactory.   

Minister Ashton responded as follows:

“Regarding a proposed new air terminal at Thompson, the Government of Manitoba recognizes the critical importance of air transportation to the lives of residents of remote communities, and acknowledges Thompson’s status as a “hub of the north”. Due to Manitoba’s ownership and operation of 24 northern airports at an annual cost of more than $10 million, which also are in need of significant capital investments, the Province is unable to fund additional airport infrastructure at this time.”