Kamloops skydiving club has nowhere to land; set to close

The Kamloops skydiving association is closing up shop after three years without a landing zone.

Jumpers have intermittently had a spot to land with their parachutes over the last few years, but their last permanent spot was closed off in 2018 due to airport and pipeline construction.

Despite their efforts, the Kamloops Skydivers Sport Parachuting Club couldn't find a new home base. After 60 years of operation, one of the last non-profit clubs in North America has shut down, secretary and treasurer Heather Sutherland said.

"We're upset. It's near and dear to our hearts," Sutherland said, adding that the organization decided it would close in April.

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Kamloops Skydivers announced publicly that it's permanently closed today, June 14.

Despite being covered by millions of dollars in liability insurance and a waiver signed by each member, liability was the chief concern for prospective property owners, she said.

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She's still open to finding a new base to restore the association, which doesn't have to be near the airport. It could even build a new dedicated runway for skydivers, but after three years, Sutherland said the organization has exhausted nearly all of its options.

"There's always a shred of hope, but we've reached out extensively. If there are leads that come my way, they'll be contacted," Sutherland said.

Now that the Kamloops organization is closed, she said local skydivers will have to head to Abbotsford or the North Okanagan to continue the sport.

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