Year in Review: Nipawin Heliport closer to reality

Participating municipalities in the TLDPC incude the towns of Nipawin, Carrot River, Codette, Choiceland, White Fox, and Tobin Lake, along with the Rural Municipalities (RM’s) of Moose Range, Nipawin, and Torch River. Their interest in the project was rekindled once the worst of the pandemic was past.

The Commission came together to host a fundraising launch event Nov. 6 in Nipawin, outlining the need for the project and the fundraising goal.

Included in the launch was a STARS presentation, as the need for a heliport was identified in the aftermath of the Humboldt Broncos tragedy in 2018.

STARS was able to land near the site of the bus crash, allowing them to transport the most critically injured patients directly to Saskatoon. However, the remainder of the injured players taken to Nipawin for treatment had to be driven by ambulance to the Nipawin Airport for transfer either by STARS helicopter or Air Ambulance.

The TLDPC explained that studies have shown approximately nine to 12 minutes could be saved with a heliport available to fly patients to acute care facilities, rather than flying from the Nipawin Airport.

The Commission’s pamplet read “(t)hese crucial minutes could mean the difference between saving a life or not.”

Among those at the fundraising launch was Carol Brons. Her daughter Dayna was the athletic therapist for the Broncos, and she tragically lost her life in the crash. Carol said Dayna was transported from Tisdale (instead of Nipawin) by STARS to Saskatoon on the night of the collision.

“It would be a huge benefit for the communities by Nipawin to have that helipad,” Carol told northeastNOW at the fundraising event. “STARS is such a vital part of our communities in the prairies, and to have them be able to fly right to the hospital and transport patients directly from the hospital would be amazing.” Brons was there as both a representative of the family members and the Humboldt Strong Community Foundation (HSCF).

The HSCF has previously donated money to Nipawin for several items, including a fire rescue truck. Brons believed of the $100,000-$200,000 donated, about $70,000 remained for the heliport.

“Communities around the world supported the Humboldt families and the community strong foundation, so having the money being used for this is going to be great for everybody, and we’re thankful that the money is going to be used in such a great way,” Brons said.

Donations announced at the event included $20,000 from the Saskatchewan Premier’s Walleye Cup, $50,000 from the Novak Family Foundation, and $200,000 from John Zales.

Brons told northeastNOW she was grateful for all that have come together to try and make the project a reality, and for those who have continued to support the families of that Broncos team.

“It’s great to have the people in the area be pushing forward for this because the costs are high to have it put in, but it’ll be a secure and safe area for STARS to land there, and it’s great to see that they’re doing such a great job at raising money. The people in the area are being very generous and the different RMS and communities coming together to work together is great,” she said.

“Thank you to everybody in the area for everything that they’ve done for Humboldt and Broncos families, we continue to appreciate everybody’s support and all the work that’s been done on behalf of the Bronco families to help other people in the community. This will be a great addition to the Nipawin area and it’ll definitely make a difference in transporting the patients that need to be transported by STARS.”

Later in November, Nipawin Council approved setting aside roughly $142,000 for the project.

The heliport is expected to cost around $750,000 with about $430,000 already collected as of late November. Prior to COVID, the project was estimated to cost between $450,000-$500,000.

Each of the nine participating communities has been asked to set aside money based on how many people live in their area.

“This gives us the opportunity by guaranteeing the funds that we can go ahead and do this. We don’t want to wait any longer,” Nipawin mayor Marlon Zacharias told northeastNOW.

“Minutes can save lives. So, by having this landing pad right at the hospital we’re going to save time and save lives.” he added.

The TLDPC continues to fundraise for the project, and if the Committee were to receive significant donations that could reduce the cost for each of the 9 communities that are part of the Committee.

Those looking to donate can contact twinlakes.secretary@nipawin.com.

Tax-deductible receipts are available.

Transport Canada is responsible for maintenance and operation costs after the heliport is completed. The goal is to begin the project in the spring, with a completion date before the end of 2024.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Year in Review: Nipawin Heliport closer to reality

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