Your roof is leaking, and it’s grounding history
Bonjour from the North — three cities, one corridor, and the stories that don't make it south of Barrie.
Tabarnak! You ever go somewhere and think, "This place is a treasure, it just needs a little love?" That's exactly what I'm thinking about our Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. You drive past it on the waterfront, right there by the locks, and it just *is* the Sault, non? All those amazing planes, the history of aviation and the forest fire fighting – it’s literally flying right over our heads, and it’s a big part of what makes us *us*. But right now, their roof, this big, old roof, it’s leaking like a sieve. And they need two-and-a-half million dollars, not for a new exhibit, not for another cool plane, but just to keep the water out.
Think about it. This isn't just a museum; it’s where we bring our kids, where tourists stop before they head up to Agawa Canyon. It connects us to the history of the bush pilots who literally built this country, flew into the wilderness when there were no roads. My grand-père, he used to tell me stories about seeing those planes fly over Garden River, heading into the bush. It’s a point of pride. If that roof isn't fixed, we risk losing a huge piece of our identity, right there on St. Marys River. This isn't just about old planes; it’s about preserving the stories and the spirit of the North.
### The Real Cost of a Leaky Roof
* **Community Hub:** The Bushplane Museum is a major draw, a place for school trips, community events, and a quiet afternoon learning about what makes our region unique. * **Economic Impact:** It brings people to the waterfront, supporting local businesses from the pubs on Queen Street to the shops in the Station Mall. * **Historical Preservation:** These are real artifacts, real stories from our past. You can't just put a tarp over history.
This isn't some abstract problem from down south. This is about *our* Sault Ste. Marie. It’s about ensuring that when you drive over the International Bridge, you see a vibrant city that cherishes its past and educates its future. Let’s not let the stories of the sky get drowned out by a leaky roof.
Marc-André Desjardins, MiTL Sports Desk, Sault Ste. Marie.
My friends at "The Corridor Morning Show" are always diving into these stories – you should check them out live at mornings.live.