Future Impact Project

Our Impact

The CBHC is a community hub and education centre, essential tourism driver and preserver 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 2025):

  • Welcomed over 50,000 total visitors.
  • Educated 2,209 students and provided wellness-centred programming to 4,651 seniors and children.
  • Hosted 8,929 attendees at large community and fundraising events, including two murder mystery dinners.
  • Contributed $3.3 million towards the tourism economy.
  • Employed 22 permanent staff, providing quality jobs in our Northern Ontario city.
  • Supported 8 other businesses and community groups through subleases or free space: Northern Superior Brewing Co., Entomica Insectarium, Killarney Air Services, Air Cadets, Soo Plane Modellers, Alzheimer’s Society, Model Engineers’ Club and the White Pines Field School (alternative schooling for kids with disabilities).

The Project

The CBHC can’t do preserve our bushplane and natural resource heritage and deliver incredible impacts to the community without making significant improvements to our beloved heritage building. Our sustainability and operation are challenged by ongoing issues:

  1. 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.
  2. 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. Our energy bills are sky-high!
  3. Aging Infrastructure – Our radiant heating system, installed back in 1989, is inefficient and antiquated. With no cooling system in place, the hangar becomes stifling in the summer. Lack of climate control is bad for the people and for the planes.

The Project consists of 4 components that will greatly improve the historic hangar’s longevity and operational efficiency:

  1. Replace the roofing material and add insulation. The project will replace the roofing material for all areas occupied by the CBHC (outlined in red).
  2. Install a HVAC solution in the main museum hangar. Year-round climate control will improve the comfort of building occupants and create a better environment for artifacts.
  3. Insulate. In addition to insulation on the roof, we will add insulation to the 16’ header above the hangar doors. This will significantly improve the efficiency of the building.
  4. Install Huge Fans. These 14 foot fans will de-stratify 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, hopefully, 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.

Project Funding

Fundraising Goal
$5.8 million goal 50%

Support

Support the Future Impact Project with a monetary donation or by helping us connect with a potential donor.

If you have additional questions, please contact:
Jamie Hilsinger, Director
jhilsinger@bushplane.com
705-255-6663

Donate

Have Questions?

Have questions about supporting the Bushplane? Our FAQ section is a simple place to start. You’ll find clear answers about the Bushplane, giving and how your support helps us keep the planes, exhibits, and stories alive.

FAQ