The Okotoks Air Ranch Airport CFX2 has finally reopened after voluntarily suspending operations since April 18, 2016.

CFX2 closed after Transport Canada had came to the conclusion there were issues concerning the airport after audits, including questions about how secure the airport was due to a lack of fencing.

New Airport Manager Trent Obrigewitsch says some things changed to get their Airport Operators Certificate back.

"So just on the physical things, you'll see there is a very nice looking fence that wraps the perimeter of the airport, that's the most identifiable piece. As far as the operations and standards portion, there was already a very good paper process with the operator of the airport, all we did is define it out a little better and added a few things, that allow the airport to better apply the things that were already in place."

On Saturday, May 6 the airport re-opened and Obrigewitsch says there's already many users eager to get back to the Air Ranch.

"It fluctuates, with an airport like this you might consider the weekends to be a little busier, so for instance on Saturday, we had eight aircraft use the facility throughout the day, and the weather wasn't quite as good on Sunday, but we still had some aircraft use the facility, and we've had three so far this week."

He says the Air Ranch is planning a community opening for Saturday, June 17.

"Details are being worked out but some things to look for are a possible fly in breakfast, or even a BBQ. Having the folks of Okotoks come out and see their airport and celebrate its opening. It really does need to be seen as a gateway to the community."