$13.5M lease-to-own contract recommended for new Winnipeg police chopper
Existing Air1 helicopter is 14 years old, nearing end of its life
The City of Winnipeg has chosen a replacement for its aging police helicopter.
A new report recommends the city sign a lease-to-own contract with Calgary-based Eagle Copters for a new Airbus H125 helicopter, worth $13.5 million.
The sight and sound of the Winnipeg Police Service's Air1 helicopter have become familiar to Winnipeggers. Now, the 14-year-old aircraft is nearing the end of its life.
Mayor Scott Gillingham says the helicopter is necessary for public safety.
"There is value in ensuring that our Winnipeg Police Service has the tools necessary to do the work that they're doing to try and keep our city safe," Gillingham told reporters, speaking at an unrelated event on Wednesday.
"It's been shown time and again, police have been clear on that, the value the police helicopter provides."
The cost of the helicopter is estimated based on a monthly lease of $74,895, over the course of 15 years.
Police have used their current helicopter, an Airbus H120, to help in pursuits, observe scenes from a safe distance, and spot fires.
Originally bought for $3.5 million, operating costs have hovered around $2 million a year.
Police say parts are increasingly hard to find, with wait times of six to 12 months.
Police board chair Markus Chambers says he supports the lease-to-own option, rather than an outright purchase.
"When you look at the age of the existing helicopter, the cost to replace parts that are needed to keep it up in the air are becoming more expensive and are harder to find. So going from a lease-to-own process is a little bit cheaper than outright purchase cost," Chambers said.
In 2023, Air1 spent 864 hours in the air over 220 days. It was grounded for 145 days either due to maintenance, weather or staffing.
The flight operations unit is credited with locating 401 people in 2023, including 200 suspects. It also helped search for 14 missing people and 44 people who were deemed a risk to themselves.
It provided aerial support for police at 111 "large scale events" and attended 34 fires.
The helicopter has faced criticism over the years due to its costs — and concerns from community members who felt their neighbourhoods were being targeted.
Gillingham says the helicopter is worth it, but he would like to see the police explore other technology.
"Yes, it is a significant price tag, but I'll be supporting their request for the lease-to-own. I think long term, I'd like to see the police looking at the idea of the utilization of drone technology," he said.
If approved by council, the new helicopter will take up to two years to arrive.
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