NIPAWIN — Fundraising efforts are expected to begin shortly, following the Saskatchewan Health Authority approving the build of a heliport adjacent to the Nipawin Hospital.
The effort is being undertaken by the Twin Lakes District Planning Commission, which includes the Town of Nipawin, R.M. of Nipawin, R.M. of Moose Range, R.M. of Torch River, Village of Codette, Village of White Fox, Town of Choiceland, Town of Carrot River and the Village of Tobin Lake.
“We have to have the money all in place before construction can actually start,” said Rennie Harper, Nipawin’s mayor. “Fundraising and looking for opportunities for that are the next thing that Twin Lakes will focus on..”
Harper said the Commission will be establishing a steering committee which will be in charge of the fundraising efforts and what that looks like.
“So people can start to think about what they might like to contribute to such an awesome venture,” she said. “The sooner we put the money in place, the sooner we can put the shovels in the group.”
The heliport is expected to cost about $560,000.
Harper said the Commission does have some funds already to go towards the heliport, including about $70,000 in reserves from the Town of Nipawin, which was donated to the town from the Humboldt Strong Community Foundation.
There is no firm date set on construction, with construction able to start before 2022 if fundraising efforts allow for it.
“Watch out for further information and reach out to any of the partner municipalities to offer donations or assistance.”
The new helipad will connect Nipawin with hospitals in Melfort, Prince Albert, Kelvington and Saskatoon via a growing helipad network.
Previously, STARS landed on the grass field beside the hospital, before Transport Canada required them to cease the field landings due to safety issues.
Since then, STARS have been using Nipawin’s airport, which has about a 15 minute driving time with the hospital.
“That has worked well, but with the addition of a heliport next to the hospital it will make it easier for patients, they won’t have to have several transfers, it will make it easier for staff, and it will decrease the amount of time it takes for all of these transfers to happen,” Harper said.
