Waterloo airport to hold public meeting over its Master Plan

The Region of Waterloo is holding a public information session Wednesday afternoon to discuss the future of the internationalairport.

The Master Plan will guide aviation locally for the next 20 years.

Chris Wood, the Manager of the Region of Waterloo International Airport told CBC News there have been a few changes in the aviation industry in the last two years, notablythe advent of low cost carriers.

"I believe about three ... are in various stages of operations and hopefully will, pardon the pun, launch in the next little while," said Chris Wood.

"The three of them that are trying to launch, NewLeaf, Fly Too and Canada Jetlines ... really look to connect sort of under-served cities on what's called an O and D, basis, an Origin-Destination. They don't really rely on the connections like Air Canada and Westjet would across Toronto."

Wood says the Region of Waterloo International Airport has worked hard to attract new carriers to the area. He says while being close to Pearson is a good opportunity, he admits it's also difficult to get the attention of larger carriers that are focused on Pearson.

The discussion session is open to the public, and scheduled at the Waterloo Region Museum from 4:00 to 8:00p.m. Wednesday. Submissions can also be made in the live online conversation at: www.engageregionofwaterloo.ca.