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Burlington Executive Airport Upgrades and Expansion
By Doug Martin, EAA 657164, for Bits and Pieces
At a time when many small airports are struggling for survival, it’s refreshing to see investments being made to upgrade one, particularly when that airport is convenient to Toronto. Population encroachment often creates pressure to close small airports like this in urban areas. Read more
Since Burlington Airpark (CZBA) was purchased in 2006 by Vince Rossi, he’s been continuously improving the airport, with the objective of becoming a significant regional resource for businesses while remaining friendly to the weekend flyers. As part of this plan, eventually road access from Appleby Line will give the airport a higher profile locally and allow for a new terminal building and hangars in the northwest section of the lands. This is still some time off, but ground work has started in that area. The airport has been officially renamed Burlington Executive Airport.
At a December meeting where Vince hosted hangar owners, we were shown an extensive list of the improvements that have been made. In all, more than $5 million has been spent redeveloping the airport. Here’s a short summary that covers only some of the major changes:
- Widened runway 32/14 and leveled it at the intersection with 09/27
- Widened the taxiway for 32/14 and added run-up areas at both ends
- Repaired 32/14 lighting and installed taxiway reflective markers
- Paved 09/27 in December 2011; these runways just reopened in mid-January, so check NOTAMs for status, and watch your CFS for details
- Extensive drainage improvements throughout the property
- Built six new hangars, with five more under construction
- New card lock fuel system available 24/7
- New airport beacon and weather cameras (available in Nav Canada’s Forecasts and Observations page - “Wx Cams” button).
Sod runway 9/27 newly paved and awaiting numbers
There are many more changes, but these are the ones you’re likely to notice if you haven’t touched down here for a few years.
Burlington Executive Airport is the home to COPA Flight 28, a very active club that runs COPA for Kids events several times a year. For more than 25 years, they have also done an annual “airlift” for the Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations in the area, getting roughly 50 kids into the air each event!
It’s clear that CZBA management is committed to the long-term survival of the airport. Drop in for a visit when you’re in the area!
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