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Model aircraft to take to the air over Gilles Lake Conservation Area

This is not an open invitation for residents to use their model aircraft and drones in the area, says Mattagami Region Conservation Authority
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NEWS RELEASE
MATTAGAMI REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
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This summer, you may see model aircraft at the Gillies Lake Conservation Area. The Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA) and the Timmins Golden Hawks Model Aircraft Club have coordinated a trial period to allow club members to use the park as a flying site.

Those flying remote aircraft at the site will all be Timmins Golden Hawks Club members registered with MAAC (Model Aeronautics Association of Canada). The flying devices used must be under 250 grams in weight and spotters will be required by the fliers to ensure the safety of all park users.

Andy Woitowicz, founder and past president of the Timmins Golden Hawks Model Aircraft Club says, "The Timmins Golden Hawks, formerly Porcupine Aeromodellers, has been in operation since 1970. We are sanctioned by the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada and have strict safety rules in place for all our members. Our formal flying field is on the back road to South Porcupine."

The MRCA would like the public to be aware that this is not an open invitation for residents to use their model aircraft and drones in the park area.

There are specific insurance requirements, Transport Canada regulations, and permissions that must be in place before using these devices in public areas. With over 10,000 people walking the trail around Gillies Lake every month, the safety of the public is our priority.

The Timmins Golden Hawks have met these requirements and are looking forward to the opportunity to develop public awareness of model aircraft. The trial period for this activity will be throughout the summer of 2019, after which public comments and concerns will be evaluated to determine if the agreement will continue in future years.

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