THUNDER BAY - Out in the forests of Shebandowan Lake is an old and abandoned helipad, once used by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Now, it makes a perfect base for helicopter tours.
That's exactly what the President of Wisk Air Helicopters has set up Saturday to help raise money for the Shebandowan Community Centre and Firehall.
“We're offering helicopter rides for the Shebandowan community,” said Wisk Air Helicopters president Mark Wiskemann.
“We're very pleased to support the community club and the Shebandowan Fire Hall with donations stemming from the proceeds we're expecting to take on today.”
The 10 minute rides give passengers an aerial view of the Shebandowan Lake area. At $50 dollars a seat, Wiskemann said the tours have been in high demand.
They've had to extend the tour hours due to the large number of requests.
“Based on demand, it's been such an overwhelming demand we didn’t expect it,” Wiskemann said.
“I'm proud to say everyone's interested. The helicopter behind us is a Bell 407, so it seats 5 passengers plus the pilot. “
Many of the passengers who booked the tour have camps in the area and they say they were curious what it looked like from high in the sky.
“It was a lot different seeing it from above you know. You're used to seeing it from the roads,” he said.
“I've been in a helicopter before but it's great to see the lake from a different angle.”
Wiskemann said the money raised from the one-day tours will be split between the Shebandowan Fire Hall, and the Community Centre.
(TBT News)