City developing property near airport

During Monday night’s committee meeting, City Council put forward a motion to develop city-owned property adjacent to Jack Garland Airport with the prospects of building an industrial subdivision.

“This is one of those things that’s going to change the face of North Bay, as we move towards the future,” Councilor Mike Anthony said.

Anthony went on to say that this won’t be something that happens in the short-term, but rather something we’ll see in the next 30 to 40 years.

Of the proposed land, 285 acres will be used for businesses that require access to the Jack Garland airport runway, while the other 818 acres would go to businesses which would not require runway access.

The city is taking the subdivision approach to this land development because it would be easier for prospective companies whom are looking to establish themselves on the property because they can see the lots in which they will be building on.

Anthony said the fact that the city already owns this land simplifies a lot of things.

“It’s great; it makes it something that we can work with. I mean we’re still going to have partners from both levels of government, but it makes something that as a city we can drive, and we can be in the drivers seat to say ‘let’s make this work, and let’s bring things in’,” Anthony said.
When Council spoke on the issue during the meeting, the resounding statement was the newly revamped 10,000 foot runway at Jack Garland Airport.

“For years I’d had people say to me that airport should be the jewel that this city uses, I think you’re seeing the start of that tonight,” Anthony stated.