You won't believe what's happening at the Bushplane Museum
Bonjour from the North — three cities, one corridor, and the stories that don't make it south of Barrie.
Okay, listen, you know the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, right? Right there on St. Marys River Drive, a stone's throw from the locks? It's one of our best spots, a real point of pride for the Sault. People come from everywhere to see those planes, learn about the history of bush flying, how it built this country. But here's the thing, and it's a real *tabarnak* moment: the roof is leaking. And it's not just a little drip; it’s bad enough they need to raise $2.5 million to replace the whole 63,300-square-foot thing.
This isn't just about a building; it's about preserving a huge piece of our heritage. Imagine those old De Havilland Beavers and Otters, the water bombers, the history of how we fought forest fires in the boreal. These planes tell the story of Northern Ontario, of how we navigated this vast wilderness before highways cut through. If we lose the museum, we lose a connection to that tough, innovative spirit that built places like the Sault, Timmins, and North Bay. It’s part of our identity, as much as Algoma Steel.
### What This Means for Sault Ste. Marie
* **Protecting History:** The museum is a living testament to Northern Ontario's role in aviation and resource management. * **Tourism Impact:** It’s a major draw for visitors, especially those crossing the International Bridge from Michigan, bringing dollars into our local businesses downtown. * **Community Pride:** For generations, kids in the Sault have grown up visiting that museum, seeing the planes, dreaming big. It's a cornerstone of our community.
We talk about needing more investment up here, more reasons for people to visit and stay. And then we have this gem, right in the heart of our city, struggling with something as fundamental as a roof. We need to make sure this doesn't get grounded. It's not just a Sault Ste. Marie problem; it's a Northern Ontario legacy we're trying to save.
Marc-André Desjardins, MiTL Sports Desk, Sault Ste. Marie.
My friends on the morning show are always talking about these local gems — hear their take at mornings.live.