Manitoba Chamber of Commerce
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/97063
Central Pilot Project Southport takes wing with high-flying developments by Holli Moncrieff T he community of Southport is an example of the best kind of recycling. A former air force base, it's been transformed into a bustling village that includes a state-of-the-art pilot training centre, condo development and impressive recreational facilities. Located three kilometres south of Portage la Prairie, it appeals to people who like the idea of living in a small town but who want the convenience of city-style services, Southport Aerospace outgoing CEO Steve Maybury says. Launched to train Canadian and Allied pilots under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan in 1940, it remained home to a Canadian Forces flight training school after the base closed in 1990. Since 2005, commercial entity Allied Wings has been training Royal Canadian Air Force pilots at the site, which has a private airport and air traffic control tower. The newest development is the Barker Building — a three-storey residence for student pilots. Named for Manitoban First World War fighter-ace William "Billy" Barker, the 52-unit building "We have great access right off the highway. All the amenities you could want or need are very close," he says. "It's picturesque and there is the seclusion of living in a smaller centre. People are quite pleased to have the option of building a house, buying a house, buying a lot or living in a rental unit." separate living and dining areas, a kitchen with convection Southport's transformation began in 1990, when CFB Portage closed and rights to the sprawling, 1,550-acre property were transferred from the Department of National Defence to a nonprofit property management and development company. 32 MBiz November 2012 was developed to meet DND specifications for long-term student Red accommodation. Each room is over 600 sq. ft. and features oven/microwave combo and bedroom with blackout blinds specifically due to student flight schedules. River College's Stevenson Campus offers aircraft maintenance engineer trades training at Southport, which also boasts a Campus Manitoba post-secondary education centre, a restaurant, post office and other tenants.