After a tumultuous year, the situation at the South Shore Regional Airport has returned to normal.

Both the Nova Scotia Drag Racers Association and the South Shore Flying Club have secured 20-year leases with the municipality to continue their activities at the site. The two groups had co-existed as tenants for years until the Region of Queens offered to sell the airport to the drag racers for $50,000 late last year.

Following a public meeting in December, the Region scuttled the idea of selling the property, opting to keep it under municipal control.

The racers signed a lease effective March 1 to pay the Region $1,500 + HST per race each year.

For an additional $1,500 + HST per year, the racers also have use of the small hangar.

Beginning April 1, the South Shore Flying Club will lease the airport and have use of the large hangar from the municipality for the sum of $4,000 annually.

With six races on the schedule this year, the drag racers will pay $9,000 to the region, considerably more than the flying club.

Mayor Darlene Norman says the two groups are paying different amounts based on a couple of factors. The first is the drag racers have a greater ability to pay as they charge admission to their events. The second is that the flying club are taking on the role of managing the airport for the municipality, saving the Region from hiring someone for that position.

“Council made it very clear, that they see the service the South Shore Flying Club provide[s],” said Norman.

After rectifying what she describes as a “messy” situation at the airport, Mayor Norman is pleased to see the two groups move forward.

“Things have been resolved, both associations have 20-year leases and I just wish the best to all of them.”

E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

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