The first three Canadian compass rose projects took place in West Canada (as reported by Roberta Baker).

1. The first one was in Cranbrook in 1996, led by June Mills.   As there were no 99s members in their city, the Cranbrook Flying Club actually initiated the project and the design was sent to them. Several 99s members in surrounding communities attempted to fly there to assist them but because of foul weather, no one was able to get through. The Cranbrook Club was able to complete it on their own and we were able to fly there the following weekend to view their handiwork.
2. The second one was painted in Vernon in 1997. This one was initiated by the 99s member residing there and was joined by Vernon Flying Club members. The City of Vernon also supported us by supplying the paint. It is actually due for re-painting this year and the Vernon Flying Club and 99s will be tackling this big job.

3. The third one was completed in Penticton in 1998 and was done solely on the initiative of a 99s member residing in Penticton. The painting was done by dedicated 99s, spouses and friends and incorporates the Native name for Penticton in the design.

Due to the terrain covered by our chapter (all of BC outside the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island) you can imagine it is quite an accomplishment to gather our 9 scattered members from throughout the province to participate in these projects. But the 99s are a dedicated group of aviators, whether in Hanover, Ontario or the Canadian Rockies.

Note, according to the Nov-Dec. 1989 Canadian Flight magazine, the following airmarkings were carried out by the Saskatchewan Chapter in 1989:

1. airmarked Weyburn Airport on June 3, 1989.  The group flew to the airport the night before, camped overnight, then painted the name on the taxiway.  Mary Pyne was the Airmarking Chairman. A reporter from the local paper arrived, and was quickly put to work snapping chalk lines and pushing a paint roller.

2. On June 24th, the Chapter airmarked Unity, again marking out the name on the taxiway.

3. Also that year, they painted a 60 foot compass rose on the runway area of Saskatoon Airport.  It was a twelve-point compass in blue and white, and included the painting of the name adjacent to the compass.

In August, 2001, First Canadian Chapter painted a compass rose in Hanover, Ontario.

Want to know how to do a compass rose and see “how to” pictures? Visit our International 99s website.  Instructions are included in the “members only” portion of the website.

Memories of the October-November 2003 compass rose project (Eastern Ontario Chapter) done at the Rockcliffe Airport in Ottawa – visit our photo gallery (next).

Fred Landry surveying	Mixing the paint..
2nd painting..	Beautiful compass rose
Airplane checking out compass rose	Aerial view