Bushplane Centre gets into 3D technology

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

************************* Orazietti announces $249,000 for upgrades to Bushplane Heritage Centre

McGuinty government investments aim to attract tourists and boost economy

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre (CBHC) is receiving $249,000 from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation’s (NOHFC) Infrastructure and Community Development program to develop a new visitors attraction.

The CBHC is using the funding to upgrade their “Wings Over the North” movie theatre by adding another object theatre called “Wildfire” that uses special film and special effects technology, David Orazietti, MPP announced today.

“This investment will help the Bushplane Centre preserve the history of flying in Northern Ontario and help make the facility more attractive to visitors,” said Orazietti. “Our government recognizes that increasing tourism in Sault Ste. Marie will provide a boost to the economy while creating and protecting jobs for local workers.”

Today’s announcement at the CBHC in Sault Ste. Marie is one of several provincial funding announcements taking place in three centers in Northern Ontario today totaling $1,750,000.

The NOHFC provided this funding to develop visitors attractions across the North.

Funding was provided to help cover Science North’s film production costs in producing the Norseman and Wildfire feature films, as well as for upgrades to the CBHC, the Vale Inco Cavern theatre and the Red Lake Heritage Centre.

"This NOHFC funding for a feature film about wildfires will enable us to offer a new 3D attraction to visitors and residents which we hope will result in a renewed interest in our wonderful museum,” said Mike Delfre, executive director of the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. “We appreciate the support the Heritage Fund has given the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre over the years.”

The CBHC was formed in 1987 and it is managed by a volunteer not-for-profit board.

The CBHC showcases fire fighting equipment and aircraft.

The CBHC receives about 13,000 visitors per year and employs 3.4 full-time staff.

The CBHC is a tourism anchor in downtown Sault Ste. Marie along with the Art Gallery, the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, the Ermatinger Old Stone House and Waterfront Walkway.

The CBHC plans to maintain its “Wings Over the North” object theatre since its use is complementary to the many displays and aircraft that are housed at the centre.

Additional key McGuinty government investments to support tourism include:

- Over $13 million for Northern Ontario Tourism and Marketing

- $5 million Agawa Canyon Tour Train

- $3.1 million Hub Trail and Waterfront Walkway expansion

- $1.2 million for improvements to Roberta Bondar Park Tent, John Rhodes Arena, Greco Pool and Manzo Pool

- $1 million for Discovery Centre at Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site

- $374,927 for Sault Ste. Marie Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

- $350,000 Searchmont Ski Resort

- $142,000 for Sault Ste. Marie Tourism’s winter marketing campaign.

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