File photo Image: Randy Thoms

Fort Frances is beginning to see an increase in the usage of its airport.

Airport landings are slightly better than they were last year, with international aircraft landings showing the largest increase.

Operations and Facilities Manager Travis Rob says the reopening of CanPass has helped.

“People can clear customs at the Fort Frances airport and we have the cheapest fuel in northwestern Ontario. So, they stop here to clear customs as opposed to where they used to stop in Kenora,” says Rob.

Rob notes fuel prices at the airport are about 20-30 cents a litre lower than others.

Rob says it is a service done by the town, where in places like Kenora and Dryden, it has been contracted out.

Current sales this year are better than what they were in 2013 and close to 2014 numbers.

Rob feels they should be close 2014 when 189 thousand litres of fuel were sold.

The town set a new sales record last year, with over 295 thousand litres sold. That was due to increased forest fire activity and Ministry of Natural Resources helicopters using Fort Frances as a frequent fuel stop.