4 minute read
Celebrating a Century of Bush Flying: The Ontario Provincial Air Service Turns 100
© Courtesy of Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
Celebrating a Century of Bush Flying: The Ontario Provincial Air Service Turns 100
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.
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
