After a fullsome report by Chris Hughes, Manager of Contract Services, Owen Sound council approved a motion to maintain the status quo at their Owen Sound Billy Bishop Regional Airport and to "explore opportunities to make the airport self-sustaining including the development of a marketing plan."  This last is an attempt, in Councillor Jim McManaman's words to "try to lose less money" as the current maintenance costs and income make the airport, in financial terms, a liability. 

Mayor Ian Boddy expressed his frustration at the lack of progress on this file.  He described the celebration the 100th anniversary of Alexander Graham Bell's Silver Dart which included a cross-country flight that stopped at every airport across Canada except - yes - Owen Sound.  In a country where every person who flies knows the name of Billy Bishop, he said, every one of them should be aware of the airport that bears

his name. [Editor's note: Branding was further complicated when the Toronto Island airport was renamed for Billy Bishop in 2010]. 

Boddy also noted that the airport in Hanover (Saugeen Municipal Airport) is drawing traffic with low gas prices and a successful restaurant.

Long-term hangar contracts, other revenue generating ideas, the elimination of federal subsidies, and the complex regulations and approvals required if the airport were to be closed were also discussed. Earlier attempts at divestment were unsuccessful, and there was no optimism that a buyer could be attracted to assume the liability.