Out and About - Check out Collingwood by air . . .

Canada is full of great, smaller airports. These fields usually offer the same world-class service and support as the big international hubs – but do so with a regional and hometown feel that makes them truly individual. The Collingwood Regional Airport (CNY3) is one such example.

Located in some of the most incredible vacation/get-a-way space for those from the city, this small, progressive airport has a lot to offer. Started in 1967 by local aviation enthusiasts, Collingwood was originally a 2500 ft. grass strip. Current Airport Manager Pierre Lajoie has been in charge of things at CNY3 for 14 years. “Every few years, they added more length to the runway” he says “until it eventually reached its current, fully paved 5000 foot length.” Pierre points out that they still have a 2500 grass strip in operation.



The airport is owned and operated by the Region and services the communities of Collingwood, Clearview Township, Wasaga and the Town of Blue Mountain. Last year, they received some government stimulus funding and used it to resurface the runway and taxiways. Pierre points out that regardless of season or weather, they are renowned for their clean and well maintained landing strip, taxiways and ramps. “We thrive on service” he says.

Collingwood is home to 80 based aircraft and has a total of 45 hangars - from individual T-units to larger 120X100 ft facilities. The airport is on-call 24/7 and is an approved Canpass location that also offers full customs on special occasions – such as the Wayne Gretzky Charity Golf Tournament held this past June. The airport records an average of 14000 movements per year and special events are no challenge. “We had 20 corporate jets on the ramp this year during the Gretzky event. We have a tug and tow bars and just move folks around to accommodate their fueling needs, arrivals and departures” says Lajoie.

During the summer, golf charters are a popular business driver (there are some great courses in the area) along with regular cottage weekenders and those looking to simply enjoy the region. In the winter, skiing and resort visits take over from golf. The airport employs five regular staff for FBO and airport operations. There are a couple of AMO operations also based on the field along with recreational focused firms and groups including COPA. The main airport terminal was completed in 2006 and offers a very nicely appointed lounge, restaurant, washrooms and some tenant office space. Clean, neat and very well kept, you would be hard pressed to know it was not just completed. But then again as Lajoie points out – they are in the service business and take it very seriously. And it shows!

Collingwood Regional Airport is just one of the great little airports in Canada worth a visit.

What you learn when you are out and about . . .

Canada is rich in aviation history. You do not have to go to just the big city aviation museums to find it. Look around in small communities as you travel and you will be surprised just what there is to discover.



Just one example is the Edenvale Classic Aircraft Foundation (ECAF). If you are travelling from Barrie, to Stayner in Ontario, you sort of fall upon this airport. In fact it just suddenly appears next to the road. Sitting out front is a sign promoting Tigermoth rides. The group has six classic aircraft in total. Half are current restoration projects housed in the clean, bright and modern hangar the group call home. Visitors are allowed an up close and personal interaction with the collection and get the chance to see aircraft being rebuilt using original materials and methods.

The pride of their flying fleet, the “Tiger”, was manufactured in England in 1943 and taken on strength by the RAF in March of 1944. In 1946 it transferred to the Armee de L' Air (French Air Force). Then civil registration in France from 1956 to 1973, re-registered in Ireland in 1974 for about two years and then it reappeared in San Marcos, Texas. In 1981 the aircraft travelled once again, this time northward to. After passing through two Canadian owners it became the property of ECAF in 1991 and today is used by them for pleasure flights and attending aviation ground displays through the summer months.

Bob McIntyre (right) and fellow ECAF member.

Bob McIntyre is one of the ECAF pilots. He is best known as broadcast journalist - currently the weather specialist for Barrie, Ontario station A Channel. Bob called this station “home” since 1972 and is well known in the area. When he is not telling folks how to best plan their outdoor time, Bob pursues his real passion – flying. His father was a pilot in the Second World War and Bob has shared that love for many years. Today it is not uncommon to see him around the skies of Simoce and Clearwater regions in Audrey (the name the ECAF has given their Tigermoth). Bob says "We fly this bi-plane just as it was during the war, no canopy, no flaps, no brakes and off a short grass field. It is a real blast to fly a plane my Dad flew over 65 years ago.”

You never know just who or what you might find when you check out these local airfields. Care to visit? Contact the ECAF at Hangar F, Edenvale Aerodrome, 5195 Hwy 26 E., Stayner ON, L0M 1S0. 705-818-2223