Miramichi Airport Seeking Opportunities for Former Military Facility

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Business New Brunswick and the Miramichi Airport Commission have formed a strategic partnership to identify and develop new business prospects for the airport.

"The Miramichi Airport has long been a key component of economic development in the Miramichi region," said Charles Hubbard, MP for Miramichi, on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for ACOA. "This investment by the Government of Canada will allow the airport to determine future uses for the specialized J85 engine test cell building and attract new investors to the region."

"Our airports play an integral role in creating greater opportunity and greater prosperity for our province," said Business New Brunswick Minister Peter Mesheau. "They are an important part of the province’s strategic infrastructure. We need our airports to attract business, transport people and move goods and services in and out of our province. When our airports our busy, our economy is growing. This partnership at Miramichi will help facilitate our goals for that region."

The partnership project at the Miramichi airport involves funding a $20,000 technical review of a jet engine test cell facility. ACOA is investing $10,000 to cover half the cost of the study, while Business New Brunswick and the Miramichi Airport Authority are each contributing $5,000. The airport authority has hired a consultant to complete the review and determine the building’s potential as a revenue generator for the airport. A report on the outcome of the review is expected to be completed over the next several weeks.

"We want to determine what potential companies or customers would require this type of facility and what kind of re-fitting or improvements are needed to make it viable," said Richard Jardine, airport manager. "We need to know what the building is worth and how much it would cost to get it ready for a possible business venture."

Designed to test the J85 jet engine, the building was constructed in 1987 and was used previously as part of the CFB Chatham military base. The facility was totally decommissioned in 1989 and has been maintained by the Miramichi Airport Commission as a part of the airport infrastructure, pending a new application.

Jardine said the building is in excellent condition and comes equipped with fuel and fire safety systems, a separate control room, a horizontal intake/vertical exhaust shaft, an above ground storage tank and other special features. The airport authority is looking to lease the building once a tenant is found.

"It would be ideal if the facility could be used for an aerospace-related activity," said Ray Stinson, president of the Miramichi Airport Commission. "A venture that would require an airfield is a top priority. However, we will await the results of the study so we can determine the type of marketing initiative required."