An airport becomes certified to demonstrate that it meets regulated safety standards and can support aircraft operations safely. Certification ensures the well-being of airport users by complying with regulations related to infrastructure, emergency response capabilities, and operational procedures, ultimately providing a recognized standardized level of safety. 

A complete and approved Airport Operations Manual (AOM) that focuses on items including;  

1. Snow Removal / Ice Control Plan
2. Wildlife Planning and Management
3. Disabled Aircraft Removal Plan
4. Safety Management Systems
5. Emergency Response Plan
6. Technical specifications of the airport related to the runway – aerodrome data, physical characteristics, obstacle management, visual aids, aerodrome lighting, pavement markings, and security fencing.
7. Additional Staff Training

To ensure long term safety for corporate aviation and support sustained scheduled air service in the future, Lake Simcoe Regional Airport must transition from its current ‘Registered’ aerodrome status to becoming a ‘Certified’ airport, as required under Transport Canada. A Certified airport is an aerodrome that has been granted a certificate from the Minister of Transport that identifies that it meets Transport Canada’s stringent guidelines, regulations and standards in the interest of aviation safety. Certification also provides corporate aviation with the confidence that the airport meets Transport Canada requirements with respect to design and safety.

Airport certification is crucial for public interest as it ensures the safety, security, and efficiency of air travel. Certified airports must comply with stringent regulations covering various aspects such as runway safety, aircraft rescue and firefighting (as required), aviation fueling safety, and wildlife hazard management. These measures help prevent accidents and incidents, thereby protecting passengers, airport staff, and surrounding communities. Additionally, certification promotes trust and confidence in air travel, which is vital for economic growth and connectivity. Overall, airport certification plays a key role in maintaining high standards of aviation safety and operational excellence.

Certification itself does not have any direct impact on adjacent properties, or air traffic volumes. However, these measures further help prevent accidents and incidents, thereby protecting passengers, airport staff, and surrounding communities, by the airport operating at a standardized level of safety.

The certification process requires updating existing manuals, implementing new operational processes and training with very limited impact on our current infrastructure.  The airport has operated with a certification mindset to date.

The airport has submitted a certification application to Transport Canada.  

We are currently undertaking public consultation, updating the Airport Operations Manual (AOM) and corresponding subplans and procedures.

For anyone with questions related to the airport applying for certification, please email Airportfeedback@simcoe.ca.