Bearskin

Fort Frances could see a return to air passenger service.

Some initial discussions have been had with representatives from North Star Air.

Mayor Andrew Hallikas says further talks will take place next week in Thunder Bay.

“North Star is sending a plane next week to pick us up and take us to Thunder Bay to tour their facilities,” says Hallikahs.

“While we’re there, we’re going to enter into negotiations to see what it takes to get regularly scheduled flights in here. So things are in the works there.”

Fort Frances was among the communities that lost air passenger service when Bearskin withdrew in 2024.

A consultant’s report determined air passenger service is still viable in Fort Frances, suggesting routes that link to Winnipeg and Thunder Bay being optimal.

Hallikas says town staff have been preparing in advance of their visit with North Star.

“Our EDO, our airport manager and our Operations and Facilities Manager met at the airport just to discuss our strategy in undertaking negotiations with Northstar,” says Hallikas.

The airline began servicing Kenora, which also lost air passenger services with Bearskin’s withdrawal.

North Star lists on its website that it now services over 54 communities, with operations in Thunder Bay, Sioux Lookout, Pickle Lake, Red Lake, Kapuskasing and Thompson, Manitoba.

It states having a fleet of 17 aircraft and more than 300 employees.