Business View Magazine - August 2023

212 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 8 yet-to-be-realized potential of the airport. He highlights the potential of hydrogen hubs as an alternative energy source for southwestern Ontario, a region he describes as the “breadbasket of Canada.” The goal is to leverage the excess power produced by Bruce Nuclear Power to create hydrogen, ammonia, and, by extension, fertilizer. “Hydrogen hubs are seen as an alternative energy source to electricity,” says the mayor. “The concept is that hydrogen, once produced, can be containerized or used to create fertilizer or ammonia, which the marine industry is considering as a power alternative to diesel.” This outlook offers a glimpse into a future, with the local airport potentially serving as a hydrogen transport hub. Other future initiatives for the airport, as voiced by Doe, revolve around infrastructure enhancement. “Rehabilitation of our runways is a priority,” she states, acknowledging that the projected cost for revamping two runways is a hefty 7.5 to 8 million dollars. This task is seen as pivotal for the airport, deemed a “huge economic driver” for the community and surrounding areas, but it’s a cost that cannot be shouldered by the taxpayers of Goderich alone. “The infrastructure rehabilitation is going to require some grants from the federal government,” Doe admits. “We need to increase operational revenue to help support our deficit, but we can’t do it alone.” With these plans in place, the airport is poised to take flight into a future of sustainable energy and economic growth. With strong leadership and collaboration, Goderich Regional Airport is ready to embrace the opportunities ahead. the potential construction of 4,000 residential units in our community within the next decade - more likely within five to seven years,” he asserts. “This would expand the population by 50 to 60%, and many of these new residents would appreciate the ability to fly in and out.” Expanding the airport’s scope to host incoming regional flights similar to those seen in London or Waterloo could further boost its appeal. He also suggests that Goderich could prove an enticing alternative to the larger cities for corporate events, training, or conventions. “Instead of dealing with the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto, visitors can enjoy a more relaxed environment here,” he explains. Reimagining Goderich: A Vision of Revitalization and Innovation Turning to the future, he suggests that the city is looking at potential partnerships with Bruce Nuclear Power to ship medical isotopes. “We like to think these isotopes would be handy to be flown out of here,” he explains, hinting at a PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Aviation Ground Fueling Technologies www.agft.ca