New life for local monument

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This article was published 24/06/2019 (2681 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A beloved landmark in St. James has received a dramatic makeover. 

The decommissioned Canadair CT-133 Silver Star aircraft on the grounds of Woodhaven Park has been meticulously refurbished to represent the Red Knight, an aerobatic flying team with strong ties to Winnipeg. In addition to painting the aircraft a bright red to match the design of the original Red Knight, there’s also a plaque recognizing Brig.-Gen. William (Bill) Slaughter, the only Winnipegger to pilot the plane. (Slaughter passed away in 2013 at the age of 74.)

“He flew The Red Knight for one-and-a-half seasons, so the aircraft has been repainted to replicate the way he had it painted when he was in Portage la Prairie, where he eventually became a commanding officer,” said Bill Zuk of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society.

A rededication ceremony is planned for Sun., June 30 at 10 a.m. to formally unveil the aircraft and explain its significance.

Special guests include Slaughter’s son, Rod, Coun. Scott Gillingham (St. James-Brooklands-Weston) who spearheaded the restoration project, Cpt. Gordon Crossley, representatives from the City of Winnipeg and the Western Construction Company (the company responsible for the work). Barry Burns from the Royal Military Institute and Jim Bell and Zuk from the Canadian Aviation Historical Society will also be on hand.

It was a painstaking process to update the aircraft — from diligently researching the history of The Red Knight for accuracy, to removing the previous paint job with baking soda, to repainting it with modern, industrial paint that is much more durable and is expected to last a good 20 years. The base on which it’s mounted was also replaced to ensure its safety and longevity. 

The Canadian Aviation Historical Society was part of the process early on, and Zuk said the aircraft now better represents the significant role aviation has played and continues to play in the city.  

“Aviation has been so very much a part of Winnipeg’s history. It was the first aviation centre in Canada and pushed the boundaries outwards,” he said. “The Red Knight and in its earlier representation is the embodiment of the aviation community of St. James where aviation companies like Boeing, Magellan Aerospace, Standard Aero, regional airlines like Exchange Income Corporation of 10 airlines, the James Richardson International Airport and CFB Winnipeg all make up Canada’s third-largest aviation and industrial hub.”