Manitoulin East Municipal Airport is located eight kilometres north of Manitowaning off Highway 6; it is jointly owned and operated by the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands and the Township of Assiginack.

The development of Manitoulin East Municipal Airport (MEMA) was made possible through joint funding (95%) provided by Northern Affairs and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, with the remaining costs shared by the participating townships.  The airport was officially opened on June 18, 1988 to serve air traffic to eastern Manitoulin Island.

Current MEMA facilities include a 3500’ x 100’ paved runway, runway lighting, Main Terminal / Office, 1- 3600 square foot main hangar with 4 adjoining 1400 square foot hangar units, 5 ‘T’ hangars, an occupied industrial building, an equipment building and 100 LL and Jet A1 fuel services. 

Day to day operations are carried out by an Airport Manager, under the direction of a Commission, which is composed of Municipal Council Representatives from the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands and the Township of Assiginack.

The Manitoulin East Municipal Airport Commission’s purpose is to administer efficient airport operations on behalf of the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands and the Township of Assiginack. 

The Commission consists of a Chairperson, a Secretary, and four Board Members that hold regularly scheduled meetings and submit all official correspondence and meeting minutes to each relevant Municipal Council for approval.

The airport retains 5 employees consisting of one part-time Manager, two full time staff, one part-time employee and one part-time seasonal employee.  The Airport Manager oversees all airport operations under the direction of the Commission.

MEMA plays a key role in serving air traffic to eastern Manitoulin including charter aircraft, private aircraft and air rescue services.  As well, a privately operated Flight Training School offers flying lessons.  The facility offers annual tie downs to several local and visiting aircraft and serves as an important part of Manitoulin’s transportation infrastructure, while contributing positive benefits to many sectors of the economy.

Manitoulin East Municipal Airport is geographically situated in a locale that is convenient for increased economic activity.  Positioned adjacent to Highway 6 (a major road link), within one hour of Toronto (by air) and on eastern Manitoulin Island (highest population density), it is an excellent asset for the region.  Over the past few years, MEMA has focused on expanding the facility through development of new hangars and creation of an Industrial Park, which currently houses one private sector tenant.

A proposed next phase of development includes construction of additional hangars, development of a Classroom / Training Facility to support flight training and aviation maintenance training and infrastructure improvements to support added private sector development within the Industrial Park area.   

Enhancements through a Classroom / Training Facility, hangar construction and Industrial Park development at MEMA will stimulate conditions to attract additional entrepreneurs to establish their own operations.  This next phase in airport / Industrial Park development is vital for continued growth and cost effective operations for MEMA and supports a progressive and successful track record in stimulating positive economic growth locally.

Contact Information:

Manitoulin East Municipal Airport

C/o Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands

Postal Bag 2000

Little Current, ON

POP 1KO

Contact Person: K. G. Dobbs, Manager

Telephone: (705) 859-3009

Facsimile: (705) 859-3500

Click here to view the NAV CANADA Aviation Weather Website

Click here to visit NAV CANADA