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$200,000 in provincial funding is helping a local helicopter touring company expand their operations.
North West Helicopters owner Liam Dowds says they plan to bring their helicopter tours to other northwestern Ontario communities in addition to what they already offer in Thunder Bay.
“Terrace Bay, we still want to visit Nipigon, we are trying to figure out how we can make it to Kenora and Atikokan. We think that there are fantastic spots to see out in those communities and we want to be focused on more than just Thunder Bay.”
Dowds says they received the funding last year and have been in operation since last July. They used most of the funds to purchase their helicopter for their services.
He adds they offer aerial tours in the Thunder Bay area but also a full tourist experience with a guide who can take you to one of a kind experiences.
Other projects that received funds from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund include:
- $456,000 for SailSuperior.com Yacht Charter Adventures, a harbour tour operator in Thunder Bay, to purchase a catamaran to accommodate large groups.
- $200,000 for North West Helicopters Inc. in Thunder Bay to establish an aerial tour and charter operation for visitors to the area.
- $140,045 for the Town of Marathon to make waterfront upgrades, including the construction of three new docks and park improvements.
- $114,126 for Seek Adventure & Tours Inc. to establish a business that provides walking tours in the Thunder Bay area.
- $101,379 for the Coalition for Waverley Park in Thunder Bay to build a multi-use stage for outdoor events in the entertainment district.
- $25,200 for the Township of Red Rock to study the feasibility of creating a new recreational vehicle camping park on the lakefront.
