A regional tourism group says preliminary talks are underway about a proposal to operate direct passenger flights between Toronto and Muskoka.

“We’re developing a case to bring commercial air service to Muskoka,” James Murphy, executive director of Explorers’ Edge said on Thursday.

There’s a meeting planned for June 23 with the District of Muskoka, when Explorers’ Edge will push the case for making minor upgrades to the local airport in Gravenhurst and seeking Transport Canada security screening authorization.

“Right now the planes are flying right over us,” Murphy said.

The goal is to bring vacationers from the U.S. up to cottage country in time for Canada’s 150th anniversary festivities in 2017, Murphy said.

He said WestJet, Air Canada and Porter could all service the area, but that his group has had “no official talks with airlines.”

Representatives of the airlines said Thursday that flights into Muskoka aren’t on their radar.

“We have no plans to serve Muskoka as the market is relatively small,” said WestJet spokesman Robert Palmer.

Air Canada has not had discussions about flights into Muskoka, spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick said.

“We have no plan to do so and no negotiations are taking place,” Porter Airlines spokesman Brad Cicero said. “Should a formal proposal be made in the future, we will review it as we do with any airport.”

But despite a lack of any commitment from the airlines, Murphy says he can see a lucrative market for people flying up from the United States to enjoy Algonquin Park, golf, and Muskoka’s famous waterways.

“Muskoka was built on families coming up from Pennsylvania,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to come home and celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary.”

He noted that the Quebec ski destination of Mont Tremblant has international flights.

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Murphy wouldn’t speculate on potential costs for the flights, but said tourists flying in could be expected to pump money into the local economy.

“If you fly in, you’re limited in baggage,” Murphy said. “You’re spending more money in the local economy.”

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