Chapleau Chamber of Commerce receives good news on airport but highway maintenance not satisfactory in 1973

When the Chapleau Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting in January 1973, members received good news about plans for the Chapleau airport, but highway maintenance was subject of complaints.

As airport committee chair Gene Bernier was absent, Bill Ward reported on his behalf.

"All hurdles had been jumped having been jumped, work would begin on a 3,000 foot runway topped with crushed rock. Margaret Costello reported in the Sault Star that "Other developments in connection with the airport are also expected to get underway, which it is hoped will accommodate various aircraft and be of considerable significance in solving some of Chapleau's transportation problems."

By 1975, Chapleau had daily norOntair  flights, and even Premier Bill Davis arrived at the airport to tour projects underway in the community. Perhaps the most distinguished visitor to arrive was Ontario Lieutenant-Governor Pauline McGibbon who visited Chapleau in 1978 to officially open the Chapleau Civic Centre.

An airport terminal building was also opened as well as other improvements which included paving the runway. J. M 'Bud' Park became the first airport manager.

The first "official" landing at the airport was in 1970 by a plane piloted by Stan Deluce.

The chamber decided that 1973 was to be "transportation year" as this was a major problem for the community. That included negotiations with norOntair and completion of the road through Sultan to Highway 144. That project is still on the table more than 40 years later, despite the best efforts of Chapleau.

The members also heard that the highways patrolled by the Chapleau patrol yard were "not receiving proper winter maintenance". Sound familiar ???

According to Maggie's story complaints centred around a shortage of materials provided by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.

It was decided to send a letter to the ministry office in Sault Ste. Marie "reporting the unsatisfactory maintenance of highways within a 30 mile radius of Chapleau registering complaints of regular travelers from outside points as well as local."

As I was working on this column, I could not help but wonder how many letters have been sent  and meetings held over the past 40 years on this issue -- and the Sultan road.

Walter Broomhead reported on efforts to publicize Chapleau with radio ads, a brochure and signage. By the Fall of 1973. Mr. Broomhead and his wife Kay, were primarily responsible for the launching of the first Chapleau Arts and Crafts Fall Fair, which remains an integral and important part of community life to this day.

Election of officers took place and Matt Castonguay and Con Schmidt were returned as president and vice president respectively.  Ronald Bruneau succeeded long time secretary Myrtle Delaney who retired and Lorne Hoppenreys became treasurer.  Directors were Walter Broomhead, Cy Leduc, Bill Ward, Olive M. Card, Mike Rubin, Len Houghton, Gene Bernier and Margaret Costello.

My email is mj.morris@live.ca