Ontario building hangar for air ambulance hangar at Lake Simcoe Regional Airport

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

Ontario has committed $93 million to build a new hangar at the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport and buy new planes for Ornge, the province’s air ambulance organization.

“Special mission aircraft” will be able to travel farther without the need to refuel, allowing for four long-distance transports per day rather than two with its current fleet.

The two new Special Mission Aircraft will allow the air ambulance service to double the number of long-distance transports it can handle daily. The larger planes can travel farther without refueling and can carry patients with specialized needs, including neonatal, pediatric, and bariatric care.

The new aircraft and hangar will be based at the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport in Oro-Medonte, which will improve coordination for emergency care across the province.

“I am grateful that Ornge has chosen to partner with the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, and to help expand these services in our rural and northern communities,” said MPP Doug Downey added. “Our vision to advance Lake Simcoe Regional Airport as one of our region’s economic engines and enhance aviation services for businesses and residents that benefit our entire region is taking flight,” stated Simcoe County Warden Basil Clarke.

Officials say they hope to have the hangar built several months before the first aircraft arrives, but no specific timeline was confirmed.

In addition to expanding Ornge’s air ambulance capacity, the Ontario government is adding 300 student spaces in paramedic programs this year and has launched the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant to cover tuition and fees for students in targeted regions.