Stephenville in holding pattern as airport faces possible power cutoff

The lights remained on at Stephenville Dymond International Airport on Thursday. 

The question is how long that will remain the case — and what happens next, if Newfoundland Power pulls the plug.

Earlier this week, the utility confirmed it issued the airport a seven-day "notice of disconnection" due to "outstanding account issues."

The Stephenville town council met behind closed doors on Wednesday to discuss the situation.

One current councillor — who is also a former mayor — says there is a feeling of "dismay" in the community about the status of the airport.

"Right now, at this point in time, it seems like they are facing yet another crisis, which we know very little about," Coun. Tom O'Brien told CBC News.

"It's an issue that the airport has to deal with, but it has big consequences for the community as a whole."

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O'Brien said those consequences include the potential loss of jobs at the airport, and the impact on air ambulance service to the region.

On Tuesday, Health Minister Krista Lynn Howell told CBC News that officials have been working on a contingency plan in the event Stephenville's airport can't be used for air ambulance.

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The minister said a helicopter could be tasked, when appropriate. 

Other possible options include the use of existing runways in the Codroy Valley and Deer Lake. 

O'Brien is concerned about that, noting that "time is critical when the patient requires an air ambulance."

He said the town could be part of the conversation about possible solutions, but financial aid "can't be on the table." 

O'Brien noted that the airport is a private enterprise.

"We've got to see what the next few days is going to bring," he said.

"I guess Mr. Dymond is working on something, although we don't know what. We're just on a wait-and-see pattern right here, right now, which is not a good place to be."

The airport has been beset by a cascading series of financial and operational issues since it was taken over by Ottawa entrepreneur Carl Dymond nearly two years ago.

The airport is facing a $2.4-million lawsuit over the installation of a new runway lighting system. A trial is set for 2026.

Nearly three months ago, the airport had its status downgraded to a "registered aerodrome." A registered aerodrome is not subject to ongoing inspection by Transport Canada, but is inspected periodically to verify compliance with regulations.

An investor who helped facilitate Dymond's acquisition of the airport won a default $2-million judgment against Dymond personally.

As of earlier this year, the mayor said the airport owed a half-million-dollar property tax bill to the town.

CBC News has not been able to reach Dymond for comment this week.

Meanwhile, Newfoundland Power said that it is in continued discussions with the airport, and power will not be disconnected on Thursday.

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