The Owen Sound Billy Bishop Regional Airport in Meaford has a new name, a renovated airport building and a new restaurant.
A renaming and ribbon cutting ceremony was held Thursday afternoon at the privately owned airport with the guest of honour in attendance.
The airport will now be named after Honourary Lieutenant General Richard Rohmer, who is a retired Major General and decorated WWII fighter-reconnaissance pilot, lawyer, and one of Canada’s most decorated citizens.
He was born in Hamilton. He joined the military in 1936. He is a member of the Order of Canada, A member of the Order of Ontario, A Commander of the Order of Military Merit, A holder of the Distinguished Flying Cross, among many other honours and titles.
He is the author of about 30 books, both fiction and non-fiction and recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
The new name is Major-General Richard Rohmer Meaford International Airport.
Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont spoke at the event, as well as Meaford Mayor Ross Kentner, Lt.-Col. Joe Tobin, CD, Commanding Officer of the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre in Meaford, Pilot Gordon Price, Airport Owner Rick Horwath and Rhomer himself spoke.
Horwath said, “(Maj.) General Rohmer’s legacy is one of exemplary service, dedication and leadership. Throughout his illustrious career he embodied his values of courage, integrity and commitment to excellence.”
“As travellers and pilots pass through these doors at this airport and terminal, may they be inspired by the values Maj. General Rohmer stood for: dedication, resilience and honour. May this airport serve as a lasting tribute to a man whose influence has been felt far beyond the skies he once commanded,” said Horwath.
The newly renovated, soon to open restaurant in the airport will still be named after Victoria Cross recipient and Owen Sound WWI flying ace Billy Bishop. It’s now called William’s on 26.
The airport has a newly painted red roof, new landscaping and a large deck area off the restaurant which has a wall of windows overlooking the runway.
In 2009, the Toronto City Airport was also named after Billy Bishop. Since then, there had been two Billy Bishop airports.
The local airport, just outside Owen Sound had, at one point belonged to the City, which decided to sell it in late 2021 for $1.5 million to a private buyer, Clayton Smith, who then sold it to Horwath in late December of 2023.
Horwath owns Air Bravo, an air charter and air ambulance service that operates in Canada and the United States.
Owen Sound Flight Services operates out of the airport in Meaford. They offer flying lessons, sightseeing tours and charter flights. They also recently announced they are now officially a career college and can offer a commercial pilot licence training program.
