I own and operate a small private aircraft. In the past I used to fly to Owen Sound, and when there would often purchase hundreds of dollars of aviation fuel. I have friends in Owen Sound. I would take my friends to dinner in downtown Owen Sound. A trip to Owen Sound was something I enjoyed.

As a result of the landing fees I will NEVER return to land at Owen Sound Airport. The misguided decision to impose a landing fee means that I will not spend one dollar purchasing fuel at Owen Sound. If I need to return to Owen Sound I will fly to Wiarton, where itinerant aircraft and their occupants are welcomed. Having written that, the increased inconvenience makes it less likely that I will return to Owen Sound with any frequency, and will chose to spend my money elsewhere.

The decision to impose landing fees is economic suicide. Other communities use their airports as economic engines. Lindsay and Peterborough are examples. It is a shame that Owen Sound lacks the leadership to understand these issues.

Yours truly

M. James Holtom
Kanata, ON