Southport Aerospace Centre Inc. held its annual general meeting recently, offering an opportunity to reflect on past accomplishments and look ahead to a pivotal year of growth and transition.
Chief Executive Officer Nathan Peto says the AGM is an important moment to engage Southport’s general membership, present strategic plans, and celebrate recent milestones.
"A really fantastic opportunity to show all the work that we're really proud of and talk about what we're looking forward to in the future," Peto says.
This year’s meeting marked the end of Dale Lyle’s tenure as board chair. After nine years of service, including the last two as chair, Lyle steps away from the board. Peto describes his leadership as deeply aligned with Southport’s values and vision.
Peter Young, a Royal Canadian Air Force veteran with extensive governance experience, has now taken over as board chair. Young previously served on the Southport board and brings both institutional knowledge and aviation insight to the role.
Dan Bolton was also reaffirmed by the membership for a third three-year term as a board member, continuing his long-standing involvement with the organization.
Strong engagement from local members
Peto, who began as CEO in late January, says he’s been encouraged by the strength of the organization’s relationship with both the board and general membership.
"We have a really strong and active general members that always attend these AGMs, always ask good questions, are engaged and really come, it really enforces the grassroots nature of our organization," he notes.
Peto acknowledges that Southport, as a regional non-profit, is accountable not just to the board, but to the broader membership that has guided its development for over three decades.
Infrastructure moves ahead for aircrew training
Looking ahead, 2024 marks a turning point for Southport’s physical landscape. With years of planning behind them, infrastructure projects connected to the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program are finally moving forward.
"You're going to finally see some of the infrastructure get started in terms of our support of the FAcT program," Peto adds.
Construction is expected to begin soon, making long-discussed developments at the Southport site a reality.
Spirit of Southport Award presented to Kam Blight
Each year, Southport’s board presents the Spirit of Southport Award to individuals outside the organization who demonstrate exceptional commitment to its vision and values.
"That award was presented to former Reeve of the R.M. Kam Blight," Peto says.
During his time as Reeve, Blight was a strong advocate for Southport, often championing its initiatives at both the provincial and federal levels. He attended this year’s AGM to accept the award and shared heartfelt reflections on his connection to the organization.
"He always went above and beyond to support the organization, the staff, the board, advocating for us at the provincial and federal level, and we're extremely thankful for Kam's support," Peto continues.
Now retired from political office, Blight expressed his continued commitment to supporting Southport in any way he can moving forward.
Peto says the AGM captured both the legacy and future momentum of Southport, with new leadership in place and key development milestones on the horizon.
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