The Owen Sound Billy Bishop Regional Airport’s been sold.
New owner Rick Horwath confirms he acquired the property along Highway 26 in Meaford — just east of Owen Sound — in a transaction that closed in late December.
“Between the restaurant, flight school and boosting the general aviation market around the area, we’re just trying to make it a positive thing for the whole region,” Horwath says.
The co-owners of Owen Sound Flight Services — which operates charters, sightseeing and has run a pilot school out of the airport since 1993 — both expressed optimism about the future of the property under its new owner.
“Anytime you bring in people that have experience in aviation and have passion, that’s a recipe for success,” says Owen Sound Flight Services co-owner Dave Kalistchuk. “It’s really inspiring and we’re very optimistic with (Horwath) and his background in aviation.”
Horwath’s been involved in aviation “his whole life” and is the owner of Air Bravo, a PC-12 aircraft charter and ambulance service with locations in Barrie, Sudbury and Thunder Bay.
But he says the Owen Sound airport is not connected to Air Bravo, it’s a separate entity and day-to-day operations will be managed primarily by Ben VanBeusekom, co-owner of Owen Sound Flight Services.
The first order of business is re-opening the restaurant, which is expected to be named Billy’s on 26. The restaurant should be serving guests within the next few months.
“We want to start showcasing this airport again and bringing people in. Food is always a good way to do that,” says Kalistchuk.
The new Billy Bishop Regional Airport owner and operator are also intent on trying to host more events at the property. VanBeusekom says that could include open houses, but also the return of a Wings & Wheels event in July. It’s a show that used to be held at the Owen Sound airport, where classic cars and aircraft would be on display for people to come and check out.
“We’re looking to get that going again,” VanBeusekom explains. “They used to have that here every year and it was very successful in the past.”
Kalistchuk adds there’s been growing demand for pilot training. Owen Sound Flight Services is now up to five instructors and three airplanes, and is planning to start offering commercial pilot training this summer.
This sale of the Billy Bishop Regional Airport is the second time the Highway 26 property has changed hands in recent years. The city of Owen Sound was the longtime owner, and sold it to a private buyer for $1.5-million in 2021. Financial details about the latest deal between two private parties weren’t disclosed.
