A push to explore the possibilities of creating an airship industry in Manitoba and, specifically Thompson, has been growing.

Airships have improved over the years, and can travel and haul people and materials vast distances cost-effectively and cleanly.

Their ability to travel where roads do not exist is another benefit, one which would be particularly helpful for remote communities here in our north.

When asked about the prospect of testing air ships in the area on City Beat last week, Mayor Colleen Smook had this to say.

“I think of Thompson turning into the Hub for winter weather testing, I think this will be a good place for them other then they will take large tracks of land to test.”

Smook added that the City would encourage the development of an airship testing industry here and, even if the city wasn’t directly involved, they would be willing to act as a facilitator to create the necessary collaborations.