ASSINIBOIA - It hasn’t been a fast process and there is still much work to be done that requires collaborative efforts by those involved with Assiniboia’s Airport, the Town of Assiniboia and partnering organizations, as well as RMs of 72 and 73, community members and those that appreciate the value of an airport option from their home community.
There have been many changes at Assiniboia’s Airport since it was first created in the early 1940s. Did you know Assiniboia’s Airport was built to help training air force members for WWII. It was administered by the Central Manitoba Flying School and graduated 2096 students. The town took over after the war in 1947.
Numerous changes have taken place over the years and a dedicated group of people are working hard to reinstate appreciation and value for this important asset to Assiniboia.
The change in leadership has taken place over a two-year time span.
Grant Payant, board member, says the Saskatchewan Air Ambulance has taking a liking to their group. They had to fly a person out in the past and were not happy with condition of runway. Since then, industrious people committed to keeping the airport viable undertook some patchwork on the runway and the recent Air Ambulance pilot who landed here was happy with results.
Weather dependant, June 26, the Saskatchewan Air Ambulance team will fly down with air ambulance for a come and go event, at the airport. The intention of the event is to draw attention to the goals the new airport authority have as well as seeing, and hearing, all that this community airport provides to the community and surrounding area. Attendees will have a chance to come on board a Sask. Air Ambulance to learn about organization is all about.
The Sask. Air Ambulance has made five transfers from this airport in seven years, resulting in many lives being saved.
The Assiniboia Municipal Airport Authority hope to do 100 per cent of the management but the town will own 100 per cent of the facility and will have representation on the board.
Payant notes that at one time there were 15 airplanes used to fly out of this facility. The flying club was active until the early 2000s and they built a clubhouse on site but have since donated it back to the town.
“A lot of training took place there but farming got tough and the airplane regulations changed, which changed all the dynamics,” said Payant.
The goal is to improve the runway and make it longer to accommodate larger airraft. Hoping that STARS will be able to use the revamped runway for instrument approach in inclement weather. Update lighting to new LED lights would be installed too. The cost of this refurbishing to enable this airport to expand its use and create something viable for the future could run upwards of $3Million.
Payant affirms they are building a 5–10-year plan together and will get quotes on what they realistically can do. One of those things will be applying for available grants, provincial and federal government grants, a portion will have to be raised locally as most grants are matching.
Did you know Assiniboia’s airport was the original homestead of John Engstrom and Oscar Hogland; that land was given to the airport for their use? All history is included on the Cairn that stands on the location’s grounds.
At one time the flying club hosted fly in breakfasts, held poker derbies and raised money for the clubhouse as well as donating money back to the community. There has been a lot of flight training at this Assiniboia Airport as well as search and rescue training and being a base for Sask. Air Ambulance, and to ag applicators.
“Recently the Assiniboia Fire Department were involved in a mock crash training and had to do gride searches for the pilot and passenger that ejected, in their mock incident. This training is invaluable when applying to real life scenarios that could occur.”
Payant and Engstom’s long time commitment to upgrading and maintaining Assiniboia’s airport, while showcasing the value of this facility to the community, is unending. They want to honor the airport’s history while creating a revitalized airport that will serve the community in many years to come, in many different forms.
Payant knows that it will take community support and engagement to help make their vision a reality and they are counting on airport users, residents and visitors to see what their vision could lead to for this important facility.
There are great details on the Assiniboia Airport’s history on the RCAP Station Assiniboia Wikipedia page.
