OPP aviation services being refined to provide better service

Helicopter Maintenance to be Centralized in Orillia

ORILLIA, ON, April 30, 2015 /CNW/ - The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will begin using the existing aviation facility at General Headquarters in Orillia as the maintenance base for both helicopters in the Helicopter Aviation Unit. This strategic move will enable the OPP to extend aviation service hours and improve aviation response for the entire province. 

Currently, the OPP helicopters are based for maintenance in two separate locations – at General Headquarters in Orillia and a leased location in Sudbury. After maintenance is centralized in Orillia, both helicopters will continue to be strategically deployed throughout the province for search and rescue, drug eradication efforts and to effectively transport specialized OPP teams to calls for service in a timely manner. 

Once the changes come into effect, the OPP will enhance operational service with the addition of an afternoon shift which will improve response capabilities and increase public safety throughout the entire province.

"Determining where the highest demand for specialized services are, while providing an increased level of service, is all part of the OPP's Strategic Plan as we strive to be more accountable to the citizens of this province.  One central maintenance base will allow the Helicopter Aviation team to respond to a greater number of calls for service, for more hours each day, across the province," said Brad Blair, OPP Deputy Commissioner of Traffic Safety and Operational Support.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) currently utilizes four aircraft to deliver aviation services to citizens in communities across the province. The fleet includes two fixed-wing aircraft: the Pilatus used for prisoner and personnel transport; and the Cessna used for traffic control; along with two Eurocopter helicopters.

SOURCE Ontario Provincial Police

Sgt. Carolle Dionne, Community Services Coordinator, North East Region, Phone: [phone]; Sgt. Peter Leon, OPP Media Relations Coordinator, Phone: [phone]