MUSKOKA HIGHLANDS GOLF CLUB OWNER DON MacKAY NEW AIRPORT CHAIR

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — Golf club owner Don MacKay is moving up in the world local aviation.

The man behind Bracebridge’s Muskoka Highlands course is the new chair of the Muskoka District Airport in Gravenhurst.

He trades places with Bud Purves, who will remain, along with Robin Garret who will also stay on for three-year terms

“On behalf of Council, I am so pleased to welcome Don to the role of chair for the Muskoka Airport Board,” John Klinck, district chair and ex-officio member of the airport board.

“His wealth of expertise and leadership experience in the tourism sector, combined with his passion and contributions to the community, make him ideally suited to lead the board as it moves forward in implementing its strategic plan and the airport’s master plan.”

“The board would like to thank Bud for his invaluable leadership and contributions over the last four years as the inaugural chair of the board,” added MacKay. “Bud’s governance expertise and executive leadership experience brought tremendous value in guiding discussions and to the development of the board’s strategic plan.

“I am very honoured to take on the role of chair as we move into the next chapter in the airport’s growth and evolution,” said MacKay.

There are six members of the committee here.

The District of Muskoka operates the Muskoka Airport (CYQA), which is a Transport Canada certified facility, providing a vital link to the air transportation industry in the Muskoka area.  The Airport operates 24 hours a day, seven days per week, and 365 days per year.  The public terminal building is located at the south end of the airfield and hosts a Little Norway Memorial display lounge.   The Airport provides services year-round and is a key economic development driver for the Muskoka area by providing business and personal travel services.

The airport — with a 24-hour pilots’ lounge — sees more than 70 per cent of its annual 15,000 aircraft movements from charter companies, corporate flights, and recreational flyers during the summer.

It also offers flight services for air ambulances, electrical power companies and various government organizations such as the OPP, Corrections Canada and the Department of National Defence.

As well as a couple of independent private business aircraft service and maintenance companies on the property.

For more information about the Muskoka District Airport, visit: www.muskokadistrictairport.com

Don MacKay becomes the second chair of the Muskoka Airport in Gravenhurst. He is an avid tourism promoter and owner of Muskoka Highlands Golf Links west of downtown Bracebridge.

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