This week, QSR was pleased to hear from Col. Colin Kiever, Base Commander at 8Wing Trenton, who talked to us about the economic benefits of the recent Quinte International Air Show.
 
Held this past June, the airshow was dedicated to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, the allied plan to train thousands of Commonwealth airmen for operations in the Second World War.  He was proud to host the 400 Club, where veterans were able to reconnect with each other and current members.  While it makes a major impact upon base operations, the decision was made to plan a large scale show, and they ended up welcoming  ~80,000 visitors during the two days.  Run as a business, admission was charged to ensure financial success; these funds were immediately re-directed into programs for soldiers, veterans, and their families.  75% of visitors stayed overnight, using local hotels and eating at local restaurants.  It is estimated that the airshow brought in approximately $6.6M to the Quinte region, with an additional $300K in contracts made with local companies for various provisions, such as buses and port-a-potties.
 
Col. Kiever ended his talk by promising future airshows, the next in 2018.  Thank you, Col. Keiver for this informative update.