Scientists from around the world will continue to conduct experiments in Timmins.
The City of Timmins has inked a new deal with the Canadian Space Agency. It's for a 10-year lease, with the option of three five-year extensions, on its space at the Victor M. Power Airport.
“It’s a good win-win. They’re not here next year — they’re over in Europe — but they’ll be here the next couple of years after that,” airport manager Dave Dayment told Timmins council at the Dec. 12 meeting.
In 2012, Timmins was chosen by the CSA to be the Canadian launch site for the scientific balloons because of its favourable latitude and low population density in the nearby areas.
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The first season was in 2013, with a total of 28 zero-pressure balloons and seven stratospheric expandable balloons having been launched up to 2022.
The launches are a partnership between the CSA and French space agency. The expansion gives scientists more room to work on payloads, especially early in the launches when there are weather delays or multiple projects ongoing.
Over the past couple of years, the base was expanded and a new hall was built, with the grand opening being celebrated over the summer.
SEE: Expanded balloon base a 'world-class facility': CSA president
During the construction period, Dayment said the city had a short-term lease with the CSA, which expires at the end of the month.
The new lease will allow the agency to finish paying off the outstanding construction costs. The total cost of the project was $5.1 million and there is $1.4 million outstanding. The city expects the CSA will pay $1 million in 2024 and the rest of the balance will be paid over the next four years.
The annual operating costs negotiated are $50,000 for the first year of the lease, with annual three per cent increases after.
That fee, said Dayment, helps cover the cost of crane inspections, fire extinguishers and snow removal, among other items.
— TimminsToday
