Aviation View - Oct 2023

69 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3 GODERICH REGIONAL AI RPORT “Our town has the heart of a lion,” says Myles Murdock, the proud mayor of Goderich. “We’re small, but we’re mighty. It’s a paradoxical charm from being a big little town.” Mayor Murdock isn’t just weaving pretty words; his description of Goderich has a grounding in reality. Goderich is a place that offers a range of services and amenities to its residents, much like its bigger urban counterparts, while retaining the charming allure of small-town living. Goderich is known as a tourist destination, but there’s more to it. An exciting development has been the introduction of flights by Papple Aviation, a local air transport company, from Goderich to the Island Airport in Toronto. This service provides a transportation link and a significant economic benefit. “The prospect of being able to fly from Goderich to downtown Toronto in less than an hour opens up new opportunities for business and tourism,” explains Mayor Murdock. An Aerial Trip Down Memory Lane: Goderich Airport’s Evolution Delving into the past, Mayor Murdock introduces Goderich Regional Airport’s inception, “In 1938, the airport was established in anticipation of the war. From 1940 to 44, it served as a flight training school. Its location was chosen for its resemblance to the Dover area – a cliff, or bluff as some may call it, and planes flying in off the lake – effectively mimicking the conditions pilots would face when they got to Europe.” Jane Doe builds on Mayor Murdock’s account, adding, “After the war, a gentleman named Hoppy Hopkinson, who had stayed in Goderich, set up Sky Harbor Air Services. This saw 400 aircraft ferried over to Goderich for servicing and delivery. An era was born that saw the rise of an aviation repair shop, a flight training center, and an aircraft paint shop.” Doe adds, “At its peak in the 80s, Sky Harbor aircraft refinishing had a workforce of 100. It became internationally renowned for painting warbirds back to their original wartime colors and won many awards at Oshkosh. They also painted interiors for many corporate jets from around the world and many other private aircraft from around North America.” Goderich Airport Today: Upgrades in Full Swing Mayor Murdock divulges on current efforts to elevate Goderich Regional Airport’s infrastructure and services, “We have established a task force to look into future development and future uses of the airport. This initiative, started by the previous mayor, is something I am keen to continue. The goal is to have a master plan ready within the next two years.” Mayor Murdock continues, “HM Aero Aviation Consulting conducted a study on our airport, and we’re presently trying to implement some of the recommendations from their report. Ben Crook has greatly aided this process, who has provided crucial leadership in this unfamiliar territory for me.” Doe elaborates on the specifics of the strategic plan outlined by HM Aero. “We’ve overhauled the terminal building, revamped the kitchen and pilot’s lounge, and installed digital kiosks. We’ve also launched a new website, separate from the town’s, providing comprehensive information on rates, fees, and instructions for incoming pilots.