New facility to help with better coordination and access to emergency care in the North

Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and critical care transport services, announces the acquisition of a new hangar at Greater Sudbury Airport effective November 1.  The new hangar will serve as Ornge’s second ‘superbase’ in Ontario, operating fixed wing aircraft, rotor wing aircraft and critical care land ambulances enabling Ornge to deliver high quality care in transport to more patients with enhanced reliability.

Located at 8555 Aviation Road in Garson, the new, larger hangar is part of an expansion of services and renewal of Ornge’s fixed wing fleet to meet the growing needs of patients and clinicians in northeastern Ontario. Beginning in 2026, two new, 24/7 fixed wing aircraft will commence operations from the new hangar to serve patients primarily in the Northeastern Ontario along with the James and Hudson Bay coast.

“Our government recognizes the critical role Ornge plays in connecting patients to timely access to care, no matter where they live in Ontario,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This new hangar is part of our $100 million investment to expand Ornge’s fleet, making it easier for people and families living in rural and remote communities to access equitable, high-quality care, where and when they need it.”

Ornge will maintain helicopter operations in its current hangar at the Greater Sudbury Airport until phase one of renovations are complete, targeting spring 2025.

“This is an exciting time for Ornge and the patients we serve in northeastern Ontario,” says Wade Durham, Chief Operating Officer & Deputy CEO. “The Ontario Government has shown their confidence in our ability to connect Ontario’s patients to the care they need. We recognize the increasing demand for Ornge services and this new hangar will allow Ornge to continue to coordinate and connect patients in northern, remote and Indigenous communities to timely access to emergency care. We want to thank the Greater Sudbury Airport for being a great partner.”

The newly acquired hangar was built by the Greater Sudbury Airport in 2015 and is located on the north side of the airfield with access from both ground and airsides, and is within close proximity to the airport’s runways. The 35,000 square foot industrial hangar features a wide array of versatile aviation space both with a large, 21,500 square foot hangar bay with airside apron space, as well as over 10,000 square feet of office and technical space. 

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Ornge as they expand their Northeastern Ontario operation at the Greater Sudbury Airport,” says Giovanna Verrilli, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Sudbury Airport. “This tremendous news marks an important milestone, and the Greater Sudbury Airport is proud to play a role in supporting Ornge in their expansion to connect Northeastern Ontario with critical, lifesaving services.”

The new hangar and expansion will see an increased need to hire highly skilled fixed wing pilots and paramedics to make help save lives for Ontario’s patients. Candidates are encouraged to visit www.ornge.ca/careers to learn more.

About Ornge
Ornge, a not-for-profit organization, co-ordinates all aspects of Ontario’s air ambulance system, the critical care land transport program and the authorisation of air and land ambulance transfers between hospitals. Ornge completed more than 21,000 patient related transports each year by air and land. 

For more information, please contact:
Ornge Media Relations
416-531-7577
1-888-229-8115
media@ornge.ca

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