‘It’s not good’: Moose Jaw businesses react to grounding of Snowbirds fleet

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MOOSE JAW, Sask. – The grounded Snowbirds fleet could spell trouble for the tourism industry in Moose Jaw, Sask. – the home of Canada’s iconic aerobatic squadron.

The federal government announced Tuesday the Snowbirds will be grounded after the 2026 season, while the aging Tutor jets are replaced with different aircraft in the early 2030s.

John Iatridis, owner of The Mad Greek restaurant in Moose Jaw, said losing the team – even if it’s just temporarily – will hurt business.

“Financially, it’s not good,” he told CTV News. “It’s really disappointing and it’s hard not to get upset.”

Iatridis says sales can increase fivefold when the base hosts its summer air show. The Snowbirds are the biggest attraction, he said, drawing in tens of thousands of people.

“It’s not just locals. It’s a lot of people coming from all over Canada, even northern parts of the U.S., to watch,” Iatridis said.

For decades, the iconic white Tutor jets have been synonymous with Moose Jaw.

Iatridis says the squadron is woven into the city’s identity. In the summer months, residents can look up and often see the pilots practicing formations.

“That’s the face of our city,” he said. “It’s almost like they are defacing us (by grounding the fleet).”

Moose Jaw’s tourism industry focuses on experiences, storytelling, culture and heritage – four pillars that are all applicable to the Snowbirds, according to Tourism Moose Jaw’s executive director, Donna Fritzke.

Fritzke said the Snowbirds provide an “economic boost” to the city during air shows, but she understands the need to replace the aging fleet for safety reasons.

“We’re very proud to have them here,” she said. “If it’s going to be a couple of years before they can get back doing what they do best, I think that it’s going to be OK.”

The Snowbirds are scheduled to perform at Moose Jaw’s air show July 11. If that’s the last home show for the Tutor jets, Fritzke believes it will be one to remember.

“I think it’s going to be huge,” she said, adding she’s already been fielding calls from people looking for more information on the show.

“It’s going to be an amazing day and we’re really looking forward to working with them and promoting what they do.”