17 Wing is a longstanding part of St. James

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This article was published 28/05/2021 (1829 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the RM of St. James, currently known as the St. James Ward of the City of Winnipeg. Within those 100 years, St. James has grown from a small rural community to the beautiful neighbourhood we know today. There are many places and organizations that have helped shape St. James into the community it is today and support those to put down roots and make fond memories to share with Canadians across the country.

One of these places is 17 Wing. Originally called RCAF Station Winnipeg, the base officially opened in April 1925 and was one of the first Air Force bases in Canada. In its long history, 17 Wing has not only played a role in the history of our community but has also played a role in shaping the history of our country.

During the Second World War, the base played a major part in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Today, 17 Wing supports NORAD fighter operations as a deployed operations base for the CF-18 Hornets.

With these major roles, there have been many within the RCAF and other branches of the Canadian Armed Forces who have called St. James home. One of these people, Erin O’Toole, is now the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.

Moving to Winnipeg, he lived right on the base, near the Military Family Resource Centre. It was at 17 Wing that Erin received his wings and learned to golf at the little course around the bottom of the runway that is now the CFB Winnipeg Golf Club.

In addition to those calling St. James home during their time at 17 Wing, many dignitaries have come to visit the community by flying into the base. These include Her Majesty the Queen and the late Duke of Edinburgh, who visited in 2002, on what would be their last royal visit to the city.

The St. James community has grown so much since being officially established in 1921. I look forward to working with members of our community to celebrate its history and work towards ensuring the future of St. James is bright and prosperous for those who call it home.

Marty Morantz
Charleswood - St. James - Assiniboia - Headingley MP constituency report

Marty Morantz was the Conservative MP for Charleswood - St. James - Assiniboia - Headingley from 2019 to 2025.

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