One year after the province announced $108 million toward the expansion of Ornge Air Ambulance's presence in Sudbury and the Northeast, they’ve acquired a new hangar.
In a media release issued Nov. 14, Ornge announced that they’d acquired a new hangar at Greater Sudbury Airport, effective Nov. 1, to serve as their second “superbase.”
Fixed-wing aircraft, rotor-wing aircraft and critical-care land ambulances will operate out of the site, “enabling Ornge to deliver high-quality care in transport to more patients with enhanced reliability,” according to their media release.
Two new 24/7 fixed-wing aircraft will begin operations from the new hangar in 2026, serving patients primarily in northeastern Ontario, along with the James and Hudson Bay coast.
“Our government recognizes the critical role Ornge plays in connecting patients to timely access to care, no matter where they live in Ontario,” Health Minister Sylvia Jones said in a media release, flagging it as part of their more than $100-million expenditure aimed at “making it easier for people and families living in rural and remote communities to access equitable, high-quality care, where and when they need it.”
Ornge will maintain helicopter operations in its current hangar at the Greater Sudbury Airport until phase one of renovations are complete, targeting spring 2025.
“This new hangar will allow Ornge to continue to coordinate and connect patients in northern, remote and Indigenous communities to timely access to emergency care, Ornge chief operating officer Wade Durham said in the media release. “We want to thank the Greater Sudbury Airport for being a great partner.”
The 35,000-square-foot industrial hangar with office and technical space was built in 2015 and is located on the north side of the airfield.
“This tremendous news marks an important milestone, and the Greater Sudbury Airport is proud to play a role in supporting Ornge in their expansion to connect northeastern Ontario with critical, lifesaving services,” Greater Sudbury Airport CEO Giovanna Verrilli said in the media release.
Ornge is a not-for-profit organization that co-ordinates all aspects of Ontario’s air ambulance system.
