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STARS first began to land at the heliport in May. (TLDPC/Facebook)
Ribbon cutting

Nipawin Heliport grand opening and ribbon cutting on Saturday

Jul 11, 2025 | 2:14 PM

A moment years in the making is just around the corner.

Amidst Nipawin’s 100th birthday and homecoming celebration, another momentous event is being held.

The grand opening and ribbon cutting at the Nipawin Heliport takes place at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The Twin Lakes District Planning Commission (TLDPC), compiled of representatives from Nipawin and other surrounding municipalities, helped to make the heliport a reality.

Chair Jerry Kindrat told northeastNOW the ribbon cutting is the culmination of a tremendous amount of work and passion.

“Even though we did it within a year, it seems like it took forever,” Kindrat said. “It took a huge effort, and I certainly am very proud of everybody that contributed and helped in the project.”

Nipawin Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michele Sorensen said the heliport is a game changer.

“It is very exciting to have the heliport open and to be able to provide such a vital, potentially life-saving service to our residents,” said Sorensen. “Holding the grand opening this weekend adds to the spirit of celebration around Nipawin’s 100th birthday.”

She echoed Kindrat’s thoughts, saying that many people from the area dedicated years of hard work and funding to make the project happen.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see that effort pay off – knowing the heliport is ready to make a real difference when people need it most is something everyone involved can be proud of.”

Kindrat said the nine municipalities that were part of the TLDPC worked together to ensure the project would be a success. He added when it started there were nine strangers in a room, and over time they all became very close.

According to Sorensen, the heliport will save critical time in severe medical emergencies by allowing faster transport to major hospitals. That will lead to improving survival rates and outcomes when time is a factor. Kindrat agrees, and said while it will certainly help locals, it doesn’t stop there.

“Anybody that’s travelling, working in the areas, they can feel a sense of relief that there is a… facility such as the heliport to accommodate and speed up patient transfer,” Kindrat remarked. “They have the new choppers from STARS that can certainly deliver an element of speed and safety and expertise on board to get them to the larger centres.”

The idea of establishing a heliport in Nipawin was borne from the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash. Sorensen said fundraising started in the fall of 2023 and added the TLDPC saw it as an opportunity to work together on a project that will benefit all local residents.

While Saturday marks the grand opening of the heliport, there have already been landings at the site, with the first taking place in May. Kindrat said they’ve all gone very smoothly.

The ceremony will feature greetings from the TLDPC, local MLA Terri Bromm, STARS Air Ambulance, and will wrap up with the ribbon cutting and photos.

Kindrat said the ceremony will relay the message to everyone that contributed money, labour, time, and equipment that the heliport is operational and functional, and there for use.

“Hats off to everybody,” added Kindrat. “There’s a lot of moving parts, there [are] a lot of stakeholders involved, and my congratulations and thank you to everyone.”

“It’s very much appreciated from the whole community. Thank you.”

cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com