Collingwood council held a closed meeting tonight to hear a “revival” deal offered by Winterland for the airport and approved the deal - though not unanimously - immediately after the meeting.
The town initially announced it was selling the airport to Winterland on August 2, but after several delays the final deadline of January 23 passed and the deal was dead.
Winterland proposed a revival deal and Collingwood CAO Fareed Amin delivered a counter offer.
The result was a proposal from Winterland to buy the airport for $4.1 million, same as the first offer, but this time the town will hold $300,000 in trust with lawyers to “facilitate resolution of any dispute” related to operating agreements.
During the last sale process, the owners of Genesis Flight College filed a lawsuit against Winterland and the Town of Collingwood claiming their existing agreement allowing them access to the runways was not being honoured.
This new sale is slated to close within 15 business days, said the mayor during the open session following the in camera meeting.
“At the end of the day ... we’re trying to alleviate the cost expense for our taxpayers while at the same time giving this airport the opportunity to grow and thrive as we all want it to do.” said Mayor Brian Saunderson. “I believe the substance of this agreement, given the hurdles that we encountered last time, is what’s in the best interest of our taxpayers and hopefully all the tenants of the airport.”
In a recorded vote, only Councillor Steve Berman was opposed to the sale. Councillor Bob Madigan was not at the council meeting and therefore did not vote.
