Photo © Courtesy of Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
This summer, aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike will gather in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to celebrate a historic milestone. The Ontario Provincial Air Service (OPAS), the world’s oldest continuously operating non-scheduled government air service, marks its 100th anniversary this summer.
A Legacy of Innovation
For a century, the OPAS and its successor, the Aviation, Forest Fires & Emergency Services in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, have been at the forefront of resource management, emergency response, and bush plane development. From its launch on March 1, 1924, the OPAS was a trailblazer, combining aviation with environmental stewardship. The Department of Land and Forests developed its own fleet and skilled workforce, pioneering new resource management methods and environmental protection. This innovative approach set a new standard for efficiency and effectiveness in managing Ontario’s vast natural resources.
“It’s the bush flying pioneers, and the thousands of pilots, air engineers and support staff who have contributed to 100 years of resource management, emergency response, and technical innovation who we are honouring this summer,” said Jamie Hilsinger, Executive Director of the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre (CBHC).
What began as a project by Air Service staff and retirees with a passion for history, the CBHC is now a museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of bush flying in Canada, with a special focus on the OPAS. Housed in the historic waterfront hangar where the OPAS began, the museum features a large collection of planes and offers visitors a unique opportunity to enter the world of bush flying.
“Our museum is dedicated to telling the story of bush flying in Canada, but specifically that of the Ontario Provincial Air Service. We are thrilled to be able to recognize and celebrate this amazing moment in aviation history in the waterfront hangar where it all began 100 years ago,” continued Hilsinger.
A Summer of Celebration at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
To commemorate this centennial achievement, the CBHC has been hosting a series of engaging events and exhibits designed to educate, inspire, and celebrate.
On June 13, 2024, a ¼ scale replica of the Curtiss HS-2L Flying Boat, the first aircraft used by OPAS, was unveiled. This historic moment included a short talk from long-time volunteer and historian Pierre Verhelst, who explained the significance of this aircraft.
June also marked the publication of Aircraft of the Ontario Provincial Air Service by John Stephens. This comprehensive book explores the evolution of bush aircraft used by the OPAS over its 100-year history and is a must-read for anyone interested in aviation.
Still To Come:
Virtual Hangar Tour
Explore the historic OPAS hangar with a new self-guided tour available via a smartphone app. This tour highlights the contributions and lasting impact of the OPAS community and is available in English, French, Spanish, German, and Hindi.
100th OPAS Anniversary Celebration and Reunion
Join past and present members of the OPAS community and the interested public on September 18-19 to celebrate a century of achievements and milestones.
Bushplane Days
The CBHC will host its annual Bushplane Days on September 21 and 22, 2024, to wrap up the anniversary celebrations. This family-friendly weekend event supports the museum and offers fun activities for all ages, including a Snowbirds display.
The OPAS celebration is one of many fun and educational events hosted by the CBHC. The CBHC hosts various events throughout the year, including the largest craft show in Northern Ontario. This year’s Holiday Gift and Craft Show will take place on November 2-3 and 9-10.
Welcome Reception
Kick off the festivities with a warm welcome on September 18th! Register upon arrival to receive your welcome package, then enjoy a relaxed gathering with old friends and new acquaintances. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available. The event runs from 6 PM to 8 PM.
OPAS Discovery Day: September 19th, 10 AM – 2 PM
A day brimming with interactive activities, educational tours and reconnection await:
- Exclusive Test Cell Access: Meet Mike Stadnyk, the last operator of the Test Cell, for a rare, behind-the-scenes, experience. Available from 10 AM to 12 PM, this is a one-time opportunity to explore a part of the museum that is usually closed to the public.
- Live Hangar Tours: Dive into the history of the Ontario Provincial Air Service with special 100th-anniversary hangar tours at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM. Discover the stories and achievements of those who established the service a century ago.
- Fireside Chat: Join an engaging discussion at 11 AM with aviation experts Jamie Sargent, George Willoughby, Mary-Ellen Pauli, and Wally Warner, facilitated by Mary Collier. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of the bushplane era.
- H-Boat Meet and Greet: Connect with enthusiasts and experts from 11 AM to 1 PM to learn about the H-Boat’s history and significance in aviation.
- Lunch and Story Sharing: Enjoy a meal while sharing and listening to captivating aviation stories from 12 PM to 1:30 PM, facilitated by Tim Murphy.
- OBS (Oldest Flyable Beaver) Encounter: Meet Andy Turcotte and get up close with the oldest flyable Beaver aircraft from 12:30 PM to 2 PM. Discover its storied past and ongoing legacy.
- Revisit cherished memories and reconnect with fellow OPAS members. Kids of OPAS air base parents can share their unique stories, and attendees are encouraged to log their oral histories at our dedicated Legacy booth. Light refreshments will be served throughout the day, with a pizza and salad lunch at noon.
An Evening with Roy Maxwell – Dine & Discover
On September 19th, step back into the 1920s for a captivating evening exploring the life of OPAS’s original director, Roy Maxwell. Dress in vintage attire (if desired) and immerse yourself in the era and circumstances that led to the establishment of the Ontario Provincial Air Service. The story will be brought to life through a theatre performance by Tim Murphy as Roy Maxwell and a presentation from historian Dr. Robert Galway. Guests will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and live music throughout the evening, including an entertaining live band you can dance to. The event kicks off at 5:30 PM.
V.I.P. Meet & Greet with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds
Experience a special excursion from the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre on September 20th to the Sault Ste. Marie Airport where you’ll enjoy a tour of the modern MNR hangar, and a unique chance to meet and chat with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds in a small group setting while you enjoy a light lunch from Hogan’s Airport Cafe. The experience includes return coach transportation from the CBHC.
Step into the world of the Ontario Provincial Air Service and experience 100 years of bush flying history this summer in Sault Ste. Marie!
For more information on upcoming events, visit the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre’s website at bushplane.com
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