From the mighty Starfighter, the fastest plane to fly in the Royal Canadian Air Force, to the iconic bi-colour Hawaii Martin Mars waterbomber, the B.C. Aviation Museum (BCAM) is dedicated to safeguarding and celebrating aircraft that have shaped the province’s history. Founded in 1989, the museum hosted its biggest annual open house yet on Aug. 23 and 24, drawing an estimated 5,000 visitors. With a chance to explore aircraft displays, partake in a range of activities and chat with aviation aficionado, visitors glanced at more than 40 airplanes in exhibits inside and outside the North Saanich museum. “Our main purpose and mission is to preserve, maintain, and educate on the aviation history around British Columbia,” said event organizer Emma McGugan. 11-emma [https://www.bpmcdn.com/f/files/peninsula/august-2025/11-emma.jpg;w=960] B.C. Aviation Museum assistant director Emma McGugan poses in front of the PBY Canso, a retired Second World War aircraft used in anti-submarine warfare. (Olivier Laurin/Peninsula News Review) More than sharing its passion with the public, the open house was the museum’s biggest annual fundraising event, welcoming visitors on an admission-by-donation basis, explained McGugan. “We are a not-for-profit organization and we are mainly run by 200 volunteers,” she said. All the money raised will support the museum’s operations and help fund a new capital project, McGugan added. “We would love to build a new hangar,” she said. “We're running out of space for all of our aircraft, and we really want to be able to put them inside. That's best for their preservation, and that's really our number one goal is to preserve aviation history.” After acquiring the Hawaii Martin Mars last year, McGugan said fundraising efforts are just beginning for a new hangar. While a project of this scale is no small feat, with costs estimated at a “couple million,” the BCAM and its members are determined to shelter more aircraft from the elements and preserve their history. “The ultimate dream is obviously to put the Hawaii Mars inside, but that is expensive, so we're hoping to fundraise, fundraise, fundraise, and see what we can do over the next couple years. “Every donation matters.” To donate, visit, or learn more about the BCAM, visit bcam.net [http://bcam.net].
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