The City of Cornwall has finalized the sale of its 50 per cent stake in the Cornwall Regional Airport to South Glengarry for $1.5 million, ending 42 years of joint ownership. Both councils held special meetings on August 20, 2026, and voted unanimously to approve the agreement, which takes effect December 31, 2026.
Cornwall and South Glengarry have co-owned the airport since 1984, when they created the Cornwall Regional Airport Commission to manage the facility. Under the current arrangement, Cornwall pays about $110,000 per year toward operating costs, compared to South Glengarry’s $20,000.
Mayor Justin Towndale said a major reason for the sale is the future runway expansion, which would cost tens of millions of dollars and include rerouting a county road. “We’re out of the airport business, but we still have an airport,” Coun. Claude McIntosh said, noting the city is “picking up some good coin.”
The deal includes a clause giving Cornwall half the proceeds if South Glengarry sells the property within the next decade. The one-time $1.5 million payment will go into Cornwall’s budget, with Coun. Sarah Good saying it will benefit upcoming budget talks.
South Glengarry Mayor Lachlan McDonald said becoming the sole owner makes planning conversations easier. Steve and Dave Small, who have operated the airport since 2008, said they are optimistic about the new ownership structure.
The airport at 19407 Airport Road in Summerstown will continue serving the region, with South Glengarry taking on full operating costs after the agreement comes into effect.
