A sod-turning event was held in June for the Nipawin Heliport. (File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Important addition

Year in Review: Nipawin Heliport nearly ready for operation

Dec 30, 2024 | 5:11 PM

A major story for 2024 was the development of the Nipawin Helipad.

The idea for the heliport at the Nipawin Hospital first came about after the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018, and sod was turned for the project in June by the Twin Lakes District Planning Commission (TLDPC).

“It’s so exciting, we’ve accomplished so much since our initial fundraising kickoff back in November. The TLDPC had a vision and we know how important it is to have STARS be able to come here safely for all of the RMs around, as well as Nipawin. We promised the community that we would accomplish it in 2024 and here we are today, putting shovels in the ground,” said TLDPC member and Nipawin deputy mayor Sheila Seiferling after the sod-turning ceremony.

Fundraising continues for the project, and the Town of Nipawin along with two surrounding RMs have agreed to fully pay all outstanding bills in the meantime. Any money raised will be used to pay those municipalities back.

Nipawin mayor Marlon Zacharias said in an interview with northeastNOW in December that the project will be a game-changer for residents in the area who are receiving urgent medical treatment. He said the heliport will help save transportation time for people who desperately need it.

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The heliport is expected to be open to flights early in the new year.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK