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.