Future Impact Project
The CBHC has a vision to evolve into a world-class museum that educates, inspires and connects. The Future Impact Project will preserve our heritage building, secure our sustainability and allow us to focus on projects that enhance our impacts in the community and beyond:
1. A pilot project with the National Aviation and Space Museum to inspire youth to pursue careers in aerospace, Aerospace Experiences.
2. A significant renovation of our Children’s Flight Education Centre, also adding a dedicated classroom/programming space.
3. A new Wildfires movie that illustrates how climate change is affecting forest fires worldwide, including the way we fight them.
The total project is estimated to cost $5.8 million.
We’ve tentatively secured 50% of the funding – we need your help to raise the remaining 50%!
the building
beyond a museum
a landmark of our community
The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is the only museum in Canada that shares the story of bushplanes, forest fire management, and natural resource protection. It’s housed in the “newer” section of the original Ontario Provincial Air Service hangar, built in 1948, a building that remains a proud part of our community’s heritage.
Our Impact
The CBHC is a community hub and education centre, essential tourism driver and preservationist of key parts of aviation history (eg: we have the first production Beaver). Some of our annual impacts on the Sault Ste. Marie community are as follows (stats from 2024):
- Welcomed over 57,000 total visitors, including 29,550 paid admissions.
- Educated 2,507 students and provided wellness-centred programming to 4,129 seniors and children.
- Hosted 10,186 attendees at large community and fundraising events.
- Contributed $2.7 million towards the tourism economy.
- Employed 19 permanent staff, providing quality jobs in our Northern Ontario city.
- Supported other businesses and community groups through subleases or free space, including: Northern Superior Brewing Co., Entomica Insectarium, Air Cadets, Soo Plane Modellers and the White Pines Field School (alternative schooling for kids with disabilities).
The Barrier
The Project
The hangar is feeling its age! The CBHC’s sustainability and operation are at risk, because of ongoing issues:
- Irreparable, leaky roof – Every day, more than 40 buckets fight a losing battle as water damages our historic planes and displays. The time to act is now.
- Lack of insulation – Our main hangar is completely uninsulated. With nothing in the roof or south wall to block the prevailing winds, and fans too small to help, heat loss is significant.
- Aging Infrastructure – Our radiant heating system, installed back in 1989, is breaking down. With no cooling system in place, the hangar becomes stifling in the summer and unreliable in the winter.
The Project consists of 4 components that will greatly improve the historic hangar’s longevity and operational efficiency:
- Replace the roofing material and add insulation. The project will replace the roofing material for all areas occupied by the CBHC (outlined in red).
- Install a HVAC solution in the main museum hangar and replace an old unit that services the Lobby. This solution replaces the current aging radiant heat system and adds the option of air conditioning.
- Insulate. In addition to insulation on the roof, we will add insulation to the 16’ header above the hangar doors.
- Install Huge Fans. These 12 foot fans will destratify air during the winter and support cooling in the summer months, increasing overall efficiency and helping reduce utility costs.
The Outcome
Once completed, the project will ensure the ongoing operation and sustainability of the CBHC for years to come. The project will reduce the CBHC’s energy usage and lower utility costs. We will continue to improve on our IMPACT in the community as we work to achieve our Vision of a World-class museum that educates, inspires and connects.
Help us renew our roof
Help us protect and share the story of bush flying and firefighting in Canada.
Your donation ensures our history continues to inspire future generations by protecting the legacy preserved under our roof.
WAYS TO DONATE
Monetary Donations
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corporate giving
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legacy giving
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monthly donations
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DONATIONS
Monetary donations are the simplest way to support the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. Every dollar helps us preserve historic aircraft, maintain interactive exhibits, the heritage centre and share the legacy of bush flying and firefighting in Canada.
Donating is easy, you can make a secure one-time gift or set up a recurring monthly donation right here on our website. Your contribution, big or small, makes a lasting impact and helps us keep the museum flying strong.
CORPORATE GIVING
INSPIRE FUTURE GENERATIONS
When your company or organization gives to the Bushplane Museum, you’re helping us do more than keep the lights on, you’re helping us share stories, spark curiosity, and inspire kids and families who walk through our doors.
Your support shows our community that your business cares, and together we can keep this legacy alive for generations.
LEGACY DONATIONS
A gift in your legacy ensures our story continues tomorrow. By including the Bushplane Museum in your future plans, you’re not just leaving a donation, you’re leaving a piece of yourself in the history we protect under our roof.
Your legacy not only protect heritage, but ensure your community continues to access valuable educational and developmental programs.
MONTHLY DONATIONS
PRESERVE OUR LEGACY
Monthly giving is the most impactful way to support the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.
Your ongoing commitment helps us preserve historic aircraft, maintain exhibits, and share the legacy of bush flying and firefighting in Canada.
A monthly gift says this history matters, helping us protect the planes, the stories, and the spirit that connect us all, today and for the future.
CONTACT
50 Pim St.,
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
(01) 705-945-6242
director@bushplane.com