Museum Expansion Project

Background

The Nanton Lancaster Society was formed 34 years ago with the goals of honouring the Canadian contribution to Bomber Command and the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.
The museum was significantly expanded in 1997 and again in 2007.
The current 37,000 square foot facility displays thirteen aircraft and associated interpretive displays, artwork, and military vehicles. The museum also includes a library, archives, and restoration shops.
The museum has gained both national and international recognition as a leader in commemorating the efforts and sacrifice of those who served with Bomber Command during WW II.

The museum has evolved into a facility that restores aircraft to runable-taxiable status. This ability is being constrained by extremely limited tarmac space and the lack of a suitable, designated area from which visitors may observe the aircraft.
Additional aircraft are being acquired and restored. As these efforts progress, particularly when aircraft are assembled with wings attached, we require additional display space for them.
Expanded areas are required to accommodate our future development and special events.

The Society is proposing to build a 25,000 square foot hangar facility immediately west of the existing facility with an adjacent tarmac/parking area.
As well as a large open area for aircraft display and special events, the building will include a mezzanine to view the aircraft from above, a kitchen and food preparation facilities, washrooms, restoration shop, and storage area.
The new hangar will be joined to the existing hangar by an enclosed walkway between the two buildings.
A 120 ft. wide door facing north will allow the Lancaster and/or the Halifax bomber to taxi out onto the grassed area to the north, where visitors may purchase a “ride”.

This portion of the museum will be utilized to host major community events.
The Lancaster will be permanently hangared in the new building and, as one of the Town’s icons, will serve as a backdrop for the events.