The Owen Sound Billy Bishop Regional Airport has a new name, unveiled during a special ceremony held on Thursday, September 12. No longer owned by the City of Owen Sound, the now privately-owned airport, located on the west side of the Municipality of Meaford, will now be known as the Major-General Richard Rohmer Meaford International Airport.
Rick Horwath, the new owner of the airport, said that the new name is fitting, as the 100-year old Major-General Richard Rohmer, who was the guest of honour for the renaming ceremony, is Canada’s most decorated citizen, who served with the Royal Canadian Air Force as a fighter-reconnaissance pilot during the Second World War.
“Naming this airport after General Rohmer is more than a tribute, it’s recognition to his unwavering commitment to service in his role in shaping our nation’s aviation heritage,” Horwath told those who had gathered for the renaming ceremony.
In addition to Major-General Rohmer, the event featured a number of guests and speakers, including Ontario’s lieutenant-governor, Edith Dumont, Meaford Mayor Ross Kentner, and the commanding officer of the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre Meaford, Lt.-Col. Joe Tobin.
The City of Owen Sound sold the airport in November 2021 for $1.5 million. The airport was sold again late last year to Horwath, who has made some upgrades to the facility, the most noticeable of which while passing by on the highway is the fresh coat of red paint on the airport roof. Horwath has also made some upgrades inside the facility, including the refurbishment of the restaurant, which will now be operated by Stephanie Price of The Dam Pub under the banner William’s on 26, a nod to Billy Bishop for whom the airport had previously been named.
In addition to serving as a local airport, the facility also includes a flight school, and is an important asset for local hospitals, the military, police services, and for search and rescue efforts.
Mayor Ross Kentner called the airport an asset for all of North Grey.
“It is such a privilege to welcome you on behalf of the council of the Municipality of Meaford to this renaming ceremony,” Kentner told the gathering. “I believe that all of us appreciate what an asset this airport is to the Municipality of Meaford, and really the whole north Grey area. It is a vital resource for Brightshores Health System, or the 4th Division Canadian Training Centre, to the local pillars of industry, agriculture, and tourism.”
Kentner also noted that “you can never have too much aviation infrastructure in your municipality.”
