Helipad at hospital still non-operational

By Gillian Slade on November 30, 2017.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

A helipad on the roof of the new hospital wing continues to be non-operational awaiting Transport Canada compliance and authorization.

Exactly a year ago, Nov. 30, 2016, a spokesperson for Alberta Infrastructure said the department was working with Transport Canada through the approval process. The plan was to ensure the heliport was certified by the time the new wing of the hospital was “operational.”

As far back as 2012, many in the community expressed a desire for the helipad to meet TC regulations for twin-engine helicopters, like the ones used by STARS, as well as single-engine helicopters like the one HALO uses. During the planning phase for the hospital’s expansion, Alberta Infrastructure assured the community the helipad would be for both types of helicopters.

In April this year it emerged TC had been to the site on March 21 and said it required an alternative landing area for single engine helicopters. Deficiencies were identified verbally and Alberta Infrastructure was waiting for a formal document outlining TC’s requirements before work could start.

“We have mapped out an area and we have given it to Transport Canada. It will take up a bit of a green space and not more than 20 parking spaces,” said Larry Raymond, director health facilities branch, Alberta Infrastructure in April.

The northeast corner of the parking lot was identified as an appropriate area for this and the area cordoned off.

Raymond, who has since retired, estimated the alternative landing area would take “a few weeks” to complete once work commenced.

There is still no sign of any work taking place.

On May 29, a spokesperson with Alberta Infrastructure said, “We are currently awaiting final review on the helipad from Transport Canada. Final review and approval of the emergency landing pad is also required from Transport Canada and is anticipated later this summer,” said Robert Storrier, spokesperson for Alberta Infrastructure. “It is anticipated that the helipad could be operational in late summer, early fall 2017.”

The delay was raised as an area of concern by a member of the public at the Palliser Triangle Health Advisory Council meeting Monday. No details were provided but Alberta Infrastructure was identified as the department with the answers.

The News requested an interview with Alberta Infrastructure. An emailed statement was provided instead by a spokesperson for the department.

“We are continuing to work with Transport Canada on receiving certification for the operation of the secondary (emergency) landing area. Our consultants are undertaking a final review and updates on the emergency landing area, as recommended by Transport Canada. Once approval is received, a final work schedule will be developed based on seasonal timing and weather conditions.”

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