No Q009/04 For release September 13, 2004 SAINT HUBERT, Quebec - The transfer of ownership of the Saint Hubert Airport from Transport Canada to Développement de l'aéroport Saint-Hubert de Longueuil, (DASH-L) will allow the municipality to take greater advantage of its airport, today announced Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre. "DASH-L is to be congratulated for joining the move towards a new era of airport management", said Mr. Lapierre. "Taking over the ownership of the Saint-Hubert Airport will allow DASH-L to be in a better position to respond quickly to the needs of the people in the area and tailor levels of service to local demands." In addition to the ownership transfer, Transport Canada will contribute $3.28 million over three years for airport operations and important maintenance that will contribute to safety, based on priorities identified by DASH-L. Under the National Airports Policy, announced in July 1994, local interests are being offered the opportunity to assume ownership of small airports. The Saint Hubert Airport is part of the small-airport category, which serve local needs. "The National Airports Policy allows local communities to take greater advantage of their airports, and attract new and different types of business", added Mr. Lapierre. "The better use of Canada's infrastructure in this manner will ultimately provide a boost to trade, tourism and job creation". Transport Canada continues to regulate the safe provision of air navigation services across the country. The department will also continue to enhance the safety and security at Canadian airports through aviation regulation and airport certification processes. A backgrounder with further information on the transfer of ownership of the Saint Hubert Airport is attached. - 30 - Contact: Irène Marcheterre Directrice des communications Cabinet du Ministre, Ottawa (613) 991-0700 François-Nicolas Asselin Communications, Montréal (514) 633-2741 Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada. This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities. BACKGROUNDER SAINT HUBERT AIRPORT HISTORY Important Dates 1928 : The Department of National Defence (DND) opened a permanent aerodrome in Saint Hubert and the airport became the Canadian base for the country¿s first air route to the United States. 1936: The newly created Department of Transport became the owner of the airport. Two years later, Trans-Canada Airlines (now Air Canada) made Saint Hubert Airport its regional airbase, operating its first transatlantic flights from here with Lockheed Electras. 1940 : With the outbreak of World War II, the airport reverted to DND to be used as a military training base. Civil aviation was transferred to the newly built Dorval Airport. 1968 : Transport Canada once again became the owner of the airport and civil aviation resumed. 1970 : All general aviation from Cartierville airport, with the exception of Canadair, was transferred to Saint. Hubert. The Quebec multinational company, Pratt and Whitney, a leader in the aeronautics sector, set up a service centre there. To accommodate the increase in air activity, Transport Canada undertook a number of improvements at the airport, including the construction of a general aviation sector and a new administration and maintenance building. 1973 : The Cégep Édouard-Montpetit's National Institute of Aeronautics was set up at the airport. 1985 : While hosting the Canadian leg of the first international transatlantic air rally, Transport Canada opened a new control tower at the airport. Two years later, activities were organized to mark the airport's 60th anniversary. 1991 : The Canadian Space Agency began construction on its Head Office, which moved there two years later. 2003 : October 1st 2003, the Saint Hubert Airport celebrated its 75th anniversary. 2003 : A new scheduled air service began and 178,000 aircraft movement were reported at the airport. Transfer Agreement In conjunction with the transfer, Transports Canada will contribute $3.8 million, of which $2.15 million will cover operating deficits until 2006-07 and $1.13 million for important maintenance also until 2006-07. This contribution will provide Développement de l'aéroport Saint-Hubert de Longueuil (DASH-L) with the flexibility to enhance the safety by investing in its infrastructure and, put in place initiatives that will generate increased revenues or reduced expenses, based on priorities they have identified. Discussions with the Société de Développement de la Technobase were initiated in March 2001. Since, the authority receiving support from the City of Longueuil, has changed its name to Développement de l'aéroport Saint-Hubert de Longueuil (DASH-L). Current Situation The Saint Hubert airport is one of Canada's most important general aviation airports, ranked fifth in the number of local annual landings and takeoffs. It is also the main general aviation airport in the Greater Montreal Area and is a major flight training centre.
