Thunder Bay’s North Star Air announced Oct. 29 of the signing of a strategic business agreement with North Spirit Lake First Nation in northwestern Ontario.
The community joins the other partners of Muskrat Dam, Sachigo Lake, Cat Lake, Deer Lake, Neskantaga, Kashechewan, North Caribou Lake, Bearskin Lake, Poplar Hill and Webequie.
North Spirit Lake, with a population of 489, is 170 kilometres north of Red Lake.
The Thunder Bay-based air carrier runs a Basler BT-67, a modernized version of the original DC-3 aircraft, outfitted to haul both passengers and freight to remote communities and job sites.
A joint news release said the demands of these communities require a business partnership with a carrier that can bring “cost-effective air transportation solutions for the delivery of goods and services.”
“We are pleased to sign on with North
Star Air and Cargo North,” said Chief Caroline Keesic in a
statement. “Not only will we benefit as an overall community
through the revenue sharing agreement but equally important is that
community members especially our elders and medical patients will
have another airline that provides better services”
“We
welcome North Spirit Lake to this partnership and opening up the
skies in the north to more competition will prove to be a decision
that will benefit both the social and economic development of all
communities,” said CEO Frank Kelner.
