Latest news with #PerimeterAviation
Winnipeg Free Press
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Motocross racer makes Manitoba history with national series title
Manitoba officially has its first woman motocross racer to win a championship in the Canadian WMX series — the highest level of women's motocross in Canada — as Katrine Ferguson captured the Women's Pro West Coast Nationals title earlier this month. For the 18-year-old, motorcycle racing across muddy terrains with jumps, steep hills, and tight turns in 20-minute motos is a unique pursuit, especially in Manitoba, where motocross racers are few and female riders even fewer. But in the Ferguson family, motocross is anything but rare, and as Katrine swept all races in Calgary and Cold Lake, Alta., on her way to win the championship, she did it with her three sisters by her side who all compete or work in the sport with her. Ciel Ferguson Photo Katrine Ferguson won the Women's Pro West Coast Nationals title earlier this month in Alberta. Ciel, Ani, Katrine and Téa, the Ferguson sisters, make up the family-run team who are based in Ile-des-Chênes, a small town southeast of Winnipeg. Alongside their parents, Travis and Marie, the sisters travel together across North America to compete in WMX races. 'There's not a lot of really fast riders that are produced out of Manitoba,' said Katrine. 'So it felt really cool. It felt really cool to represent a province that isn't as much represented in the sport. It also felt really cool, like, I'm Métis, so it felt really awesome to represent my culture as well in that sense.' On top of her racing success, which she says has progressed significantly over the past two years, Katrine balanced training while finishing her first year at the University of Manitoba this spring with an impressive 4.13 GPA. 'I was definitely nervous coming into it,' said Katrine on the recent WMX nationals. 'I feel like there was a lot of pressure on me. People were saying a lot that I was gonna do well or I was going to win, and I felt a lot of pressure, like, if I didn't do that. So kind of the way that I tried to rest my mind and stuff was just focus on the things that I could control.' Ani and Téa were not far behind her, also putting up strong performances and both placing in the top seven. But how did we get here? Ciel, the oldest of the sisters, remembers when their dad first brought home a Honda CRF50 dirt bike one weekend years ago while their mom was away, and they've been hooked ever since. 'Our first while of riding dirt bikes, we were actually not doing motocross,' said Ciel. 'We were doing hare scrambles, riding trails in the woods, and eventually that progressed into becoming motocross racers on track.' Ciel says trail riding continues to give them an edge when it comes to developing the technical side of motocross. The 22-year-old herself has moved on from racing pro after facing injuries, including breaking her collarbone last July and suffering a brain bleed, and is now also focused on starting her own career as a flight attendant for Perimeter Aviation. Ciel Ferguson Photo Katrine Ferguson is the first Manitoba woman to win a championship in the Canadian WMX series. 'Unfortunately, it's very, very difficult to make a career out of racing motocross, especially as a female in Canada,' she said. But Ciel, who still rides and races when she can, flies out to watch her sisters compete and stays involved through behind-the-scenes work — managing the team, handling sponsorships and media, and doing all the photography and videography for the races. 'Motocross is my life, my passion, doing this with my family,' said Ciel. 'So I still want to be connected as much as possible.' Ani, 20, is also heavily involved in the motocross world, working at the Capital Motorsports store when she's not racing. In March, she recently had the opportunity to compete at two of the biggest amateur spring national events in Texas, earning 10th overall in the JS7 class at Freestone MX and 11th overall at Spring A Ding. 'She was able to carry a lot of momentum from racing those big events in the U.S.,' said Ciel. 'And then coming back to Canada to race the women's pro nationals, here she did really good.' For the youngest Ferguson, 17-year-old Téa, her journey to racing wasn't as automatic as her other sisters, admitting she actually hated it whenever her dad tried to get her on a bike. 'I was like, 'I'm never doing this, not doing it,'' said Téa. 'And I stopped for two years. And then, obviously, when you're like watching everybody do something fun, you obviously want to try it again. So I did. Originally, I didn't want to, but now I could not imagine it any other way.' From not being interested, Téa went on to become the first female Manitoban to win a supermini race at Zhoda International Raceway and competed in her first professional women's race in 2022. Unfortunately for the young athlete, she's also been met with some injury trouble, including three serious fractures in her pelvis after a crash during a race in 2023, which required surgery. SUPPLIED From left: motocross sisters Ciel Ferguson, Katrine Ferguson, Téa Ferguson, Ani Ferguson 'My first question was, 'when can I ride again?'' said Téa. ''Like, when can I ride again?' I couldn't imagine anything else. So pretty much, I worked really hard, and like rehab, I just kept my eyes on the goal. I wanted to be back on the bike, so it really wasn't any problem. As soon as the opportunity came, I was riding again and training, and that's just, I don't know, it's where I belong.' Téa, who also plays other sports like rugby and basketball, says this year has been the best she's ever felt racing. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'It has been really good,' said Téa on the season so far. 'We all spend the entire summer in a camper together. So it really builds strong connections with your family.' Ciel says the sport has been growing in Manitoba, and that there are a lot more girls in general, especially out west, who are racing, riding and taking the sport seriously. 'We recognize that the role models we are able to be to younger riders, and especially younger women that are starting to get into the sport, that is especially very special for us to be a part of,' said Ciel. Next up for the Ferguson sisters is the WMX East Coast Nationals, kicking off June 29 in Sainte-Julie, Que. The series will then run through Courtland, Ont., Ottawa, Ont., Moncton, N.B., and Deschambault, Que., before wrapping up in Walton, Ont., on Aug. 10.
CTV News
09-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Saving lives in the sky
Winnipeg Watch Joey Petrisor, president and CEO of Perimeter Aviation, explains how medevac crews are safely evacuating patients during wildfire season.
CBC
20-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Perimeter Aviation's terminal expansion praised by some First Nations but others say service needs improving
Social Sharing Perimeter Aviation has opened its expanded Winnipeg airport terminal, saying it will improve connectivity between freight networks and remote First Nations communities in northern Manitoba. The airline's 21,743 square-foot terminal expansion boasts two new gates to host multiple flights departing at the same time, an upgraded outbound baggage system, and improved security through electronic scanners, the company says in a news release. "When I think about aviation, it is a necessity for northern remote First Nations," Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs' said at Thursday's launch event. "It is essential for health care, food security as well as economic opportunities, and so this is why this work is important … these improvements directly benefit First Nations," said Wilson. The expansion features custom artwork by Indigenous artists, and includes upgraded amenities including a new restaurant, power-charging seating, and accessibility features such as visual paging, the company says. The airline, which has provided service for the past 65 years, provides a link to more than 28 destinations, primarily in remote and isolated communities around northern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario, the company's website says. Wilson says the new upgrades represent a shift in how Perimeter provides services to First Nations communities, and will provide accessible, safe and affordable air transportation. "Every flight connects our people to care and opportunity, and to their families … this is definitely reconciliation in action," Wilson said. "This is an important investment … we need to continue to invest in infrastructure when it comes to connectivity to our First Nations communities in the north. Migwetch [Thank you]," Wilson said. Garrison Settee, grand chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., says he appreciates how the new space will make taking travel easier for people leaving home for medical attention. "This is a lifeline for our First Nations.… There's a lot of space for our people to be able to be comfortable, especially when they're travelling for medical reasons," Settee said. With the new terminal, St. Theresa Point Anisininew Nation Chief Raymond Flett said it will be easier to check in for a flight, while the extra space will allow for a better and less congested experience while waiting for the plane. However, Flett added, there are still some problems with the carrier's service, including frequent reports of lost luggage and cargo that is returned to customers sometimes weeks after the plane landed. "Perimeter is servicing too many communities, and they need to streamline appropriate connections," he said. Flett also said fares are expensive, with few travel options. Other chiefs from the Island Lake region, which is about 470 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, have criticized the airline in the past, condemning excess baggage fees and serious delays they say created undue hardship for fly-in communities. Wasagamack First Nation Chief Walter Harper criticized ticket price increases. "They have that monopoly where they're the only ones that are flying and they could take advantage of us knowing that there's no other airlines that go here … and the people suffer," Harper said on Thursday. "Perimeter airline is not the First Nations's airline." Settee agrees there is room for improvement, but said there's much to celebrate with the new terminal. "[I'm] happy because … our people will be using the services here, and their journey will be a little more pleasant than it was in the past."
CBC
20-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Perimeter Aviation's terminal expansion praised, but First Nations say service still needs improving
Perimeter Aviation has opened its expanded Winnipeg airport terminal, saying it will improve connectivity between freight networks and remote First Nations communities in northern Manitoba. The airline's 21,743 square-foot terminal expansion boasts two new gates to host multiple flights departing at the same time, an upgraded outbound baggage system, and improved security through electronic scanners, the company says in a news release. "When I think about aviation, it is a necessity for northern remote First Nations," Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs' said at Thursday's launch event. "It is essential for health care, food security as well as economic opportunities, and so this is why this work is important … these improvements directly benefit First Nations," said Wilson. The expansion features custom artwork by Indigenous artists, and includes upgraded amenities including a new restaurant, power-charging seating, and accessibility features such as visual paging, the company says. The airline, which has provided service for the past 65 years, provides a link to more than 28 destinations, primarily in remote and isolated communities around northern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario, the company's website says. Wilson says the new upgrades represent a shift in how Perimeter provides services to First Nations communities, and will provide accessible, safe and affordable air transportation. "Every flight connects our people to care and opportunity, and to their families … this is definitely reconciliation in action," Wilson said. "This is an important investment … we need to continue to invest in infrastructure when it comes to connectivity to our First Nations communities in the north. Migwetch [Thank you]," Wilson said. Garrison Settee, grand chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., says he appreciates how the new space will make taking travel easier for people leaving home for medical attention. "This is a lifeline for our First Nations.… There's a lot of space for our people to be able to be comfortable, especially when they're travelling for medical reasons," Settee said. With the new terminal, St. Theresa Point Anisininew Nation Chief Raymond Flett said it will be easier to check in for a flight, while the extra space will allow for a better and less congested experience while waiting for the plane. However, Flett added, there are still some problems with the carrier's service, including frequent reports of lost luggage and cargo that is returned to customers sometimes weeks after the plane landed. "Perimeter is servicing too many communities, and they need to streamline appropriate connections," he said. Flett also said fares are expensive, with few travel options. Other chiefs from the Island Lake region, which is about 470 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, have criticized the airline in the past, condemning excess baggage fees and serious delays they say created undue hardship for fly-in communities. Wasagamack First Nation Chief Walter Harper criticized ticket price increases. "They have that monopoly where they're the only ones that are flying and they could take advantage of us knowing that there's no other airlines that go here … and the people suffer," Harper said on Thursday. "Perimeter airline is not the First Nations's airline." Settee agrees there is room for improvement, but said there's much to celebrate with the new terminal.
CBC
20-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
Perimeter Aviation's terminal expansion draws rave reviews from Manitoba's First Nations
Perimeter Aviation has opened its expanded Winnipeg airport terminal, saying it will improve connectivity between freight networks and remote First Nations communities in northern Manitoba. The airline's 21,743 square-foot terminal expansion boasts two new gates to host multiple flights departing at the same time, an upgraded outbound baggage system, and improved security through electronic scanners, the company says in a news release. "When I think about aviation, it is a necessity for northern remote First Nations," Grand Chief Kyra Wilson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs' said at Thursday's launch event. "It is essential for health care, food security as well as economic opportunities, and so this is why this work is important … these improvements directly benefit First Nations," said Wilson. The expansion features custom artwork by Indigenous artists, and includes upgraded amenities including a new restaurant, power-charging seating, and accessibility features such as visual paging, the company says. The airline, which has provided service for the past 65 years, provides a link to more than 28 destinations, primarily in remote and isolated communities around northern Manitoba and northwestern Ontario, the company's website says. Perimeter has been criticized for its service in the past. A Perimeter plane crash in 2020 sparked criticism of the airline's safety, its service contract practices and its treatment of Indigenous customers in northern First Nations. Chiefs from the Island Lake region also slammed the airline in 2023, condemning the airline's high fares, excess baggage fees and the serious delays they say created undue hardship to the fly-in communities. Wilson says the new upgrades represent a shift in how Perimeter provides services to First Nations communities, and will provide accessible, safe and affordable air transportation. "Every flight connects our people to care and opportunity, and to their families … this is definitely reconciliation in action," Wilson said. "This is an important investment … we need to continue to invest in infrastructure when it comes to connectivity to our First Nations communities in the north. Migwetch [Thank you]," Wilson said. Garrison Settee, grand chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., says he appreciates how the new space will make taking travel easier for people leaving home for medical attention. "This is a lifeline for our First Nations … there's a lot of space for our people to be able to be comfortable, especially when they're travelling for medical reasons, "Settee said.
