“As our data changes we update airlines to keep them informed of the opportunities we have,” said Huntus. “They have visited Medicine Hat and are impressed with the renovation and the potential that it has.”


Whether that will translate into additional flights by current carriers or new airlines bringing services into the community has yet to be determined.


“We know they see potential here and are interested in increasing their business with us but where we fit in the queue with them is a closely guarded secret,” said Huntus. “We’ve been in talks with them and now it’s a waiting game. It’s the nature of the business.”


A recent announcement by West Jet that services are slowing down will affect larger centres but Huntus looks at it as an opportunity for the local airport. Medicine Hat


currently offers four return flights each day to Calgary and will be increasing that service to five flights daily beginning May 1 with Air Canada.


“It frees up airline assets and allows them to allocate flights into other places such as Medicine Hat potentially,” he said.


A slowdown in the provincial economy may cause an effect in other centres but Huntus is not overly concerned about its impact on Medicine Hat, saying the niche market potential in the area is attractive to carriers.


The renovation itself went very well in Medicine Hat. Shovels were put into the ground in November, 2013 with the project wrapping up on budget by August, 2015.


“We operated seven days a week during construction and


didn’t miss a flight,” said Huntus. As a result, the project “took longer to complete but was worth it.”


The city’s Air Service Department developed a strategic plan in early 2012 and has been operating under it since. While current renovations included structural changes on the property, improvements to the airfield are possibilities for the future. Additional changes are pending approval of capital projects outlined in the city’s 2016 budget and infrastructure grant money from the federal government.


Even while operating through construction, the 2015 year was the busiest passenger year in the past 12 years for Medicine Hat with just under 38,000 passengers being served at the airport. There were 22,000 take offs and landings during the year including airline, private aircraft and charter flights. ■


$5.00 OFF Minimum $20 purchase


One per customer. Not valid with any other promoon or discount. Expires May 31/16. Post #P3017


We are pleased to offer PATIO CAFE CUSTOM CATERING SERVICES FOR ALL OCCASIONS


• Corporate and Private Functions • Breakfast Meetings • Luncheon Meetings • Dinner Meetings • Weddings • Retirement Parties • Birthdays • Showers • Sports Team Tournaments • Funerals .....you name it, we can cater to it 7 Days a Week


CUSTOMIZE YOUR MENU TO SUIT YOUR EVENT


• 90% sourced from Local Producers • Gluten Free Menu • Vegetarian Options • Halal Available (with notice)


ASK ABOUT BOOKING THE PATIO CAFE FACILITY @ 635 3 ST. SE DOWNTOWN Fully licensed and available for groups


403-488-9050


Please inquire by calling Corey at 403-488-9050 | email: thepatiocafe@telus.net Visit our website at www.medicinehatmenus.com


MEDICINE HAT


910 Redcliff Drive SW 403.504.4111


55


tastebuds! indulge


41249772 • 03/29/2016


41249775•03/29/16


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100