Barber Field Airport, La Ronge

“We are consistently the third busiest airport in Saskatchewan next to Saskatoon and Regina,” Burr adds. “That is largely due to the fact that we are a transportation gateway to many communities and industry in the north and the uniqueness and convenience of access to float-based operations, not to mention ski-based operations in the winter. So, in that respect, we’re the only airport in this area that provides that kind of a link and support.” There is also a helicopter base on the airfield and two more in the La Ronge control zone just a couple of miles from the Airport. The helicopter companies provide vital services necessary for operations in the remoteness of northern Saskatchewan. Burr continues, “We’re a significant hub for medivac services, police services, government officials, judicial services, medical professionals, education, contractors, the mining industry, Sask Power, SaskTel, search and rescue, air cargo, fire suppression and flight training. We are also an important link for the First Nations communities in northern Saskatchewan.” La Ronge Airport is home to eight commercial hangars, some owned by air carriers that provide scheduled and charter air service. “The provincial air tanker fleet for the suppression of forest fires also has their main base here including two hangars and a tanker base,” Burr adds. “Their tanker base is at the northern end of our airfield and used for flight ops and loading their air tankers; they have seven air tankers and eight bird dogs.” Also at the airport are two refueling companies and some private users that have hangars for small aircraft. Northern Saskatchewan is also a hotspot for tourism and for fishing camps. “We get general aviation aircraft from all over Canada and the United States.” Burr says. “So, we get a lot of that kind of traffic too – people in transit to tourist locations in the north, charters with clients destined for a fishing trip at one of the many renowned fly-in fishing camps in northern Saskatchewan. We have quick access to the lake. It’s a short five-minute drive to the two water bases on the shoreline of downtown La Ronge, so it’s easy for the charter companies who are servicing