YORKTON — The City of Yorkton and Yorkton Regional Airport, in collaboration with regional emergency response partners, successfully carried out a large-scale emergency response training exercise at the Yorkton Regional Airport on Oct. 1.
The large-scale exercise, held every four years as part of Transport Canada’s certification requirements, brought together airport staff, the Yorkton Fire Protective Services, RCMP, EMS, local Search and Rescue, and other community partners to test and refine response plans. A smaller-scale tabletop exercise is also conducted annually to maintain readiness.
“This exercise is designed to make sure that, in the unlikely event of a real emergency, all agencies know their roles and can work together effectively,” said Jody Hahn, Airport Manager at the City of Yorkton. “This helps us keep our certification with Transport Canada.”
The scenario simulated an airplane incident, allowing participating agencies to practice coordination, communication, and on-the-ground response.
“These exercises are about identifying gaps and barriers,” said City of Yorkton Fire Chief Trevor Morrissey. “There were not many, but there’s always little things with the way airports are run. We identified them, and they are easily solved.”
City officials emphasized that there was no actual emergency during the exercise. “These exercises are essential to keeping passengers, airport staff, and our community safe,” said Jody Hahn. “They also help us build strong relationships across all the agencies who may be called upon in a real emergency.”
The City of Yorkton extends its thanks to all staff and partner organizations for their commitment to public safety and readiness.
For more information about the Yorkton Airport and its emergency preparedness efforts, visit yorkton.ca/airport.
