THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON - Today, Niagara District Airport (YCM), alongside the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre and the City of St. Catharines unveiled a new historical exhibition in the airport terminal.
The exhibition, titled The Airport and the Second World War, was curated by St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre supervisor of historical services/curator, Kathleen Powell.
"The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is thrilled to partner with Niagara District Airport in the development and installation of this exhibition," says Powell. "Telling the stories of our community in the places where they happened is an important part of the outreach work we do to bring our city's history alive."
The installation explores how the St. Catharines Flying Club, located at the airport, helped establish flight training in the Niagara region and contributed to Canada's aviation efforts during the Second World War. This work led to the airport's designation in 1940 as the No. 9 Elementary Flying Training School under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, making it a significant training centre for the Royal Canadian Air Force.
"We're grateful to the St. Catharines Museum for bringing this important part of Niagara District Airport's history to life," says Dan Pilon, chief executive officer of the airport.
The wartime expansion of the airport not only supported the Allied training effort but also helped establish the infrastructure and aviation activity that would support the growth of civilian aviation in the years that followed. Today, that history remains an important part of the airport's story and ongoing role in the Niagara region.
"As we reflect on the airport's role as a flight training school during the Second World War, we recognize the people and milestones that greatly influenced the airport becoming what it is today, as well as the sacrifices that were made by those who went on to serve in the war," Pilon adds. "This exhibit ensures those contributions are preserved and remembered, while reinforcing the foundation they continue to provide for the airport's future growth and success."
This partnership collaboration between the Airport and the St. Catharines Museum is part of the City of St. Catharines' 150th anniversary celebrations, where they are celebrating important milestones in their history.
"As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of St. Catharines being incorporated as a City, it's been a great opportunity to highlight the stories that connect us," says Mayor Mat Siscoe, City of St. Catharines. "This partnership between the Museum and the Airport brings an important part of our local history to life, reminding us that while every story is unique, together they form the shared history and common ground of our community. I'm excited to see this collaboration continue and help tell even more of St. Catharines' story in the years ahead."
The team at YCM warmly invites travellers to explore the exhibition during their next visit to Niagara District Airport.
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About Niagara District Airport
Niagara District Airport (YCM) is a regional transportation hub located in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The Airport serves as a premier gateway to the Niagara region’s award-winning wineries, theatres, golf courses, casinos, and the world-famous Niagara Falls. Strategically positioned near major tourism, business, and wine destinations, YCM plays a key role in enhancing regional connectivity and future growth. The Airport is owned by the City of Niagara Falls, City of St. Catharines, and Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and governed by a nine-member commission. Follow the Airport on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
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