More than a decade after the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) decided on Timmins as the spot to build a stratospheric balloon base, people gathered to celebrate its expansion.
Over the past year, in between launch seasons, a new hall was built at the Timmins stratospheric balloon base at the Victor M. Power Airport.
The city owns the base, which is leased to the CSA. The launches are a partnership between the CSA and French space agency. The expansion gives scientists more room to work on payloads, especially early in the launches when there are weather delays or multiple projects ongoing.
“Timmins is the only stratospheric balloon launch site in Canada,” said Mayor Michelle Boileau in a news release.
“The facility in Timmins creates opportunities beyond what we are traditionally known for, which is mining. Scientists from all over the world are coming to Timmins and experiencing what we have to offer – infrastructure, resources, and potential. We are fast becoming a hub for scientific research, another way that we will continue to see Timmins’ economy diversify and grow.”
Along with adding a new building, an elevator was added to an existing building and a garage and small trailer shelter were relocated.
The $5.2-million project is being paid for by FedNor and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). Each organization has contributed more than $2.8 million.
In 2012, Timmins was chosen by the CSA to be the Canadian launch site for the scientific balloons because of its favourable latitude and low population density in the nearby areas.
The first season was in 2013, with a total of 28 zero-pressure balloons and seven stratospheric expandable balloons having been launched up to 2022.
That total is now at 30, as the 2023 campaign kicked off a couple of weeks ago.
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CSA president Lisa Campbell was in town for the opening of the expansion.
Along with the geographical location, weather and resources in the city, she said there's another factor she hears about Timmins.
“But what i’ve heard so much is the people. It’s about the people who are here who have worked to make this happen, who found the resources, found the solutions and who are growing this wonderful dream together,” he said.
Timmins is also leading the way for other sites.
“This model is so successful that our colleagues from Brazil are here because they’re entering a similar partnership and representatives are here to learn and then bring that forward to another part of the world. With the new upgrade that you’ve invested in, this has truly become a world-class facility,” said Campbell.
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