An ongoing global pandemic coupled with sky-high inflation would be more than enough reason to scuttle construction plans for a new terminal building at the Gore Bay-Manitoulin Airport.

But Robert Colwell is still optimistic the long-planned-for $4.2-million project will get underway in 2022.

“We realize there’s some increased costs due to inflation and there’s also some supply issues, so these are some of the challenges that we are currently trying to overcome,” said Colwell, who manages the airport located on the west end of Manitoulin Island.

“We’re still marching on and hoping we can be ready some time this year. Ideally, it would be spring to commence the build.”

Announced two years ago, the project includes constructing a new terminal building, widening and lengthening a secondary runway, installing a helipad, and upgrading the electrical system to allow the airport to function in the event of a wide-scale power interruption.

Of the cost, the federal and provincial governments are providing $3,966,497 for the project, while the western Manitoulin communities of Gore Bay, Gordon/Barrie Island, and Burpee and Mills will together contribute $282,473.

The project reached its first major benchmark last November when the airport board awarded the design contract to Exp, an international engineering, architecture, design, and consulting firm with an office in Sudbury. Exp will oversee the design process, issue the construction tender, and manage the build.

Some preliminary work has already been done.

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