The main runway at the Yarmouth International Airport needs repair, according to Transport Canada.
An audit was conducted last month which found ‘major safety deficiencies’ on the runway.
To stay in the 302 certification, which is what is needed for regular passenger service, the repairs would cost millions of dollars.
The Town and Municipality of Yarmouth and the Municipality of Argyle have voted to decertify to 301 regulations.
They say the move will not affect current operations at the airport, and will save thousands of dollars.
Mayor Pam Mood says this doesn’t mean the door is closed on future passenger service.
“For 20 years, we’ve tried it. We’ve dished out millions of dollars. Right now, we can’t do a passenger service until we get back up to 302. We couldn’t do it anyway because we weren’t in a position financially and through the work that needs to be done. We’re making the best decision that we could make. When you’re at a 302, anybody can land there. Even a little hole is a big deal.”
Mood says she hopes a long term plan can be developed to fix the runway.
Also, the municipal units voted to eliminate the Liaison and Oversight Committee of the Airport in favour of a seven member committee that includes municipal and business leaders.
They say it will help speed up decision making.
