Contractor helicopters companies waiting to be called to fight fires would like reduced fees at Glass Field in Prince Albert. (Image Credit: Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Response times

SPSA asks city to reduce airport fees for some helicopters

Oct 29, 2026 | 12:00 PM

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is asking the City of Prince Albert to consider reducing or waiving airport fees for helicopters parked at Glass Field during busy wildfire seasons.

In a letter, Crystal Fajt, provincial response co-ordinator for the SPSA, said some companies fly their helicopters to Prince Albert and wait in case they are needed.

“During periods of heightened wildfire activity near Prince Albert, aviation companies frequently position helicopters at the Prince Albert Airport on a speculative basis (‘on spec’), anticipating potential hire and deployment to support emergency operations,” she wrote.

The companies do so at significant expense, with many coming from British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. The province and residents benefit, however, from quicker response times in emergencies.

“Rather than waiting for aircraft to travel long distances after being contracted, these resources are already positioned in Prince Albert and can be hired and deployed promptly to support emergency response efforts.”

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The letter cites the Lobstick fire, which threatened MacDowall and Shellbrook earlier this summer, as an example.

Local businesses also benefit as flight crews stay in local accommodations, eat at local restaurants and buy fuel while waiting to be called. The SPSA said the companies incurred high fees at Glass Field, while some jurisdictions reduce or waive fees.

“In comparison, Prince Albert’s fee structure appears to be among the highest in the province,” the letter said.

One of the companies that waited in Prince Albert, Skyline Helicopters, has asked for fees to be reduced or waived.

“Skyline Helicopters has requested consideration of either a fee waiver or a reduced fee structure for aircraft supporting emergency response operations. I strongly support this request.”

The SPSA said high fees could discourage aviation companies from keeping their aircraft nearby during future fire seasons.

The letter will be discussed at city council’s executive committee meeting on Monday.

—

susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

SPSA asks city to reduce airport fees for some helicopters

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