Northern Ontario airport expanding security screening

Timmins airport expands security screening Starting Jan. 20, the Victor Power Airport will include security screenings for passengers on Thunder Airlines and Air Creebec.

The Timmins airport will expand security screening this month for flights in northern Ontario and western Quebec, at the request of Mushkegowuk Council.

Starting Jan. 20, screening at Timmins Victor M. Power Airport (YTS) will now include passengers and baggage for Thunder Airlines and Air Creebec, the City of Timmins said in a news release Wednesday.

It will include security screening of checked and carry-on baggage, personal items and passengers and is the same standard screening process that passengers flying on Air Canada and Porter must go through.

"There was previously no screening for travel with Thunder Airlines and Air Creebec, which is why we’ve had to issue a notice for travellers," Amanda Dyer, a city spokesperson, told CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca.

Passengers with those two airlines will have to have their checked baggage screened before approaching the airline counter.

"At passenger security screening, they will present their boarding pass for verification, place personal items and carry-on baggage through the airport X-ray machine and proceed through the walk-through metal detector," the news release said.

"Additional or separate screening of particular items, including explosive trace detection (swabbing) or screening of electronic devices may be required."

Security will be looking for prohibited items in carry-on luggage and personal items, such as purses and backpacks.

"These are items such as hammers, knives, hockey sticks, or liquids in a container larger than 100 ml," the city said.

The Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority has a full list of items not allowed on planes.

Both airlines service Timmins, Moosonee, Fort Albany, Peawanuck, Attawapiskat and Kashechewan.

Air Creebec also services western Quebec, from Montreal to Whapmagoostui.

CTV News has reached out to the First Nation group from Moose Factory on what prompted the request.