Ontario’s $93 Million Expansion to Elevate Air Ambulance Services in Simcoe County
In a bold move to strengthen emergency healthcare access in Ontario’s most remote and northern communities, the provincial government is investing $93 million to bolster the Ornge Air Ambulance fleet.
The initiative includes acquiring two high-performance Special Mission Aircraft, constructing a dedicated hangar at Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, and adding frontline staff, all aimed at ensuring faster, more flexible critical care transport across the province.
Extended Reach, Enhanced Care
According to Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MPP Doug Downey, this investment underscores the province’s commitment to delivering life-saving care regardless of location. By adding two new long-distance aircraft, Ornge anticipates doubling its daily capacity for extended transports, significantly cutting down travel and refueling times.
Each of these advanced planes will be equipped to manage a variety of complex patient needs—including neonatal, pediatric, and bariatric care—enabling them to serve an even broader demographic of patients who require specialized support in-flight.
A New Home Base at Lake Simcoe Regional Airport
Central to this plan is the construction of a purpose-built hangar at Lake Simcoe Regional Airport in Oro-Medonte. Housing the new aircraft at this strategically located hub is expected to streamline the coordination of emergency care and improve response times.
“I am grateful that Ornge has chosen to partner with the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport,” said MPP Downey, emphasizing how this move will reinforce the region’s ability to respond effectively to urgent medical transport needs.
Simcoe County Warden Basil Clarke echoed Downey’s sentiments, noting that the expansion aligns with the airport’s growing role as an economic and service-oriented asset to the region: “Our vision to advance Lake Simcoe Regional Airport as one of our region’s economic engines and enhance aviation services for businesses and residents is truly taking flight.”
While a final timeline for the hangar’s completion remains under review, officials aim to have it operational ahead of the arrival of the first aircraft, scheduled for December 2027. The second plane is expected to join the fleet in 2028.
Investing in the People Who Make It Possible
Beyond infrastructure and new aircraft, the province is allocating an additional $25 million to recruit and train 102 frontline personnel by 2029. This team will include paramedics, pilots, and aviation mechanics dedicated to ensuring the aircraft remain mission-ready around the clock.
Further bolstering patient services, a portion of the funding will help expand Ornge’s mental health patient transport team. This specialized unit has already facilitated in-flight mental health care for more than 700 patients in its first year, addressing a critical gap in emergency services.
Supporting the Next Generation of Paramedics
Ontario’s broader strategy also involves tackling the pressing need for more paramedics in communities that rely on rapid response services. The province is adding 300 new student spaces in paramedic programs this year, backed by the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, which covers tuition and fees for aspiring paramedics in high-need areas.
Looking Ahead to 2030
With the inclusion of these two new Special Mission Aircraft, Ornge’s fixed-wing fleet will grow to 14 by the end of the decade. This comprehensive investment in aircraft, facilities, and skilled personnel sets the stage for a more resilient and responsive emergency medical transport system—one designed to safeguard the health and well-being of Ontarians, no matter where they call home.
