Since 1991, the iconic red planes of Canada’s National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP) have been a pillar in safeguarding Canada’s environment.
Over the past 20 years, the National Aerial Surveillance Program has grown significantly, all with the goal of preventing pollution in our waters, protecting our marine environment and endangered marine life, and ensuring a safe and efficient transportation industry along our massive and varied coastlines.
The National Aerial Surveillance Program uses both Dash-7 and Dash-8 aircraft. In the aviation industry, these aircraft are normally used as commuter aircraft; however, they have been transformed into maritime patrol aircraft with specialized surveillance equipment. They need to be maintained and repaired on a regular basis as they fly around Canada, patrolling for ship-sourced pollution.
This summer, work has started on a new National Aerial Surveillance Program aircraft hangar in Iqaluit, Nunavut. The contract has been awarded to Pilitak Enterprises Ltd., an Inuit company, and this project will create training and job opportunities for the local community during construction. The hangar is scheduled to be fully built and operational by the summer of 2025.
Note that the artistic rendering by EVOQ Architecture during design, may vary from final construction.
This new hangar will support the NASP team in operating in the Arctic by extending their flying season, allowing the program to operate year-round, as needed. Certain parts on the Dash-7 and Dash-8 require inspections and replacement on a regular basis, meaning crews need to have timely access to the aircraft. For the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, the hangar will support faster preventative maintenance, inspections and repairs to ensure a greater reliability of aircraft.
Infrastructure to support the NASP is limited in the North. The aircraft that carries out the aerial surveillance program is often exposed to extreme weather conditions because it is not sheltered in a hangar. The addition of this hangar will fill a large void as it relates to the infrastructure required to safely and efficiently maintain the aircraft.
The NASP aircraft that is currently co-located between Ottawa and Iqaluit will also be able to stay in Iqaluit for longer periods, allowing more time to protect vulnerable ecosystems from increased marine traffic and to maintain the rich biodiversity and ecological integrity of Canada’s Arctic marine ecosystems.
When asked about the impact of this hangar, François Collins, Director General of Aircraft Services Directorate, stated, “this hangar is going to change the North because the NASP is going to have more presence in the Arctic and more time in the air, which will benefit Canadians for years to come.”
This hangar was funded through Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, which is making shipping safer, increasing protections for marine species and ecosystems, and improving how we prevent and respond to marine incidents.
Canadians expect a safe, efficient, and effective marine safety system that meets increasing marine traffic volumes, keeps our supply chain strong and resilient, and protects our local ecosystems. That's why the Oceans Protection Plan—in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and coastal communities—is taking proactive steps to ensure Canada’s world-leading marine safety system is stronger than ever.