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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [CULTURE]

4 clusters · 14 sources · 26 days · First seen · Last updated

Canadian Snowbirds retirement and replacement

Overview

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds concluded their 2026 season with a final hometown show in Moose Jaw, where a petition led by Jana Kitts gathered over 500 signatures urging the government to keep the team active during the transition to CT‑157 Siskin II jets. Retired lieutenant‑colonel Darryl Shyiak and the Snowbirds Alumni Association have called for reduced‑size displays or the recall of former pilots while the squadron will be grounded until the early 2030s.

In early August the team visited the BC Aviation Museum in North Saanich for the museum’s open‑house (August 2‑3). A fully restored original CT‑114 Tutor (Snowbird 1) was on display alongside a DC‑3, Canso, Cessna and Fleet 2, and the squadron held autograph sessions with current members, former pilots and Maj‑Gen. Glen Younghusband. The visit was followed by the Snowbirds’ likely last appearance on Vancouver Island, an airshow over Victoria’s Dallas Road on August 4, which was accompanied by a temporary drone no‑fly zone enforced by NAV Canada and Transport Canada.

The team also made an unscheduled stop at the Aviation Museum in Saskatoon, giving hundreds of spectators close access to the classic Tutors. Their final season will be highlighted at the 2026 Air Show Atlantic in Saint John, where the Snowbirds will fly alongside vintage Spitfire, Hurricane, P‑51 Mustang and Mosquito aircraft, marking a historic farewell to the iconic jets.

Entities

Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds · CT‑114 Tutor jet · Transport Canada · Saint John, New Brunswick · Victoria, British Columbia

Timeline

  1. 18 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Canadian Snowbirds' final CT‑114 air show prompts drone no‑fly zone in Victoria

    The Snowbirds’ final Victoria show on Aug 4, 2025 includes a drone no‑fly zone; the CT‑114 jets retire after the 2026 season, with a pause until new aircraft arrive in the 2030s.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 9 sources
    Canadian Forces Snowbirds visit BC Aviation Museum ahead of Victoria airshow

    Snowbirds visit BC Aviation Museum in North Saanich for an open house and will perform a Victoria airshow on Aug 4, featuring a restored CT‑114 Tutor jet.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Canadian Forces SkyHawks and Snowbirds showcase aerial displays in Saskatchewan

    The SkyHawks parachute team performed in Moose Jaw, halting due to high winds, while the Snowbirds made a surprise stop in Saskatoon during their final season of Tutor jets.

  4. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Canadian Snowbirds' final Moose Jaw show fuels campaign to keep them flying

    Snowbirds give a final Moose Jaw show before their CT‑114 jets retire; alumni and locals campaign for the team to stay active during the CT‑157 replacement period.

Sources

albernivalleynews.com · battlefordsnow.com · cheknews.ca · chemainusvalleycourier.ca · cjme.com · cjoy.com · comoxvalleyrecord.com · lakecowichangazette.com · nanaimobulletin.com · oakbaynews.com · petalumanews.com · pqbnews.com · todayinbc.com · uspa24.com