The new helicopter landing pad in Swift Current has been operational since early January, and it cost about $58,000 less than budgeted for.

The helipad - situated on the east side of Cypress Regional Hospital - cost $342,000, subject to completion costs, according to the Saskatchewan Health Authority, though $400,000 was budgeted for it.

As of this morning, there haven't been any landings on the new pad.

The original pad was also on the east side of the hospital, but in July of 2017 STARS began using a temporary pad on the west side, as the original pad didn't meet guidelines.

STARS then shifted to landing at the Swift Current Airport in October 2017, until earlier this month when the new pad was completed.