Doors Open Winnipeg at 17 Wing

 By Martin Zeilig

The sun shone brightly as visitors poured into Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Winnipeg on May 24, eager to see the behind-the-scenes world of 17 Wing.

Harald and Gerri, a retired couple from Winnipeg, arrived with curiosity.

"We’re here to see what happens at 17 Wing," Harald said, scanning the bustling event. "We’re very impressed so far with what we’ve seen. It’s quite a facility." 

Visitor at CFB Winnipeg - Doors Open Winnipeg trying military gear

His wife, Gerri, nodded. "The event is really well organized. We’re looking forward to taking it all in."

The open house was one of several activities planned for the 100th anniversary of CFB Winnipeg. Captain Farhad Pakandam, a Dash 8 (CT-142 Gonzo) pilot with 402 “City of Winnipeg” Squadron and the OPI for the open house, explained its significance.

 "We’ve had a mess dinner, a Freedom of the City parade on May 7, and we have an Indigenous gathering coming up on June 7," he said. "We decided to take advantage of Doors Open Winnipeg to invite the public and showcase what happens on base."

Visitors had plenty to see while they waited for the popular bus tours. Inside the gym, history came alive through displays of vintage pilot uniforms and mess kits from the 1940s and 50s. Next to the historic exhibits, a mock fitness test allowed civilians to experience the physical requirements of Canadian Forces members. Search and Rescue personnel demonstrated their equipment, while outside, military vehicles and equipment were on display, including a howitzer and a Medium Support Vehicle System. The RCAF Band played on the lawn, adding to the atmosphere.

Planning for the event started six months earlier, with a large team of military personnel and civilian staff working together.

Visitor engaging in the mock fitness test at CFB Winnipeg - Doors Open Winnipeg

"We put out the call for volunteers, and they signed up immediately," Captain Pakandam said. "Their help has been instrumental in making this event a success."

The bus tours, the highlight of the day, took visitors through six key locations on base. Though security regulations prevented passengers from disembarking, they still got a firsthand look at buildings and aircraft, including a Hercules, which is flown by 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron,  and a Dash 8. To top it off, visitors were treated to four flypasts featuring the Herc and the Dash 8, adding excitement to the day.

Chris, a psychologist from Winnipeg, appreciated the rare opportunity.

"It looks very similar to a university campus, with buildings for teaching, maintenance, residences, and places to eat," he observed. "It’s great to be able to talk with different military personnel and learn about the patches, berets, and unit history."

For Corey, visiting from Alberta, the event had personal significance.

"My family has a lot of military history," he said. "My grandparents were in the Air Force, my parents served in the Naval Reserves, and my brother is about to begin CAF basic training. This open house gives people a chance to see behind the scenes and understand what military life is really like."

Laura, once an Air Cadet for seven years, reflected on her past as she explored the Heritage Office display.

"We used to do our gym training here and flight school was based here, too," she said. "It’s nice to refresh my memory and see more of the SAR Tech equipment."

Warrant Officer Schroeder, stationed with 38 Canadian Brigade Group at Wing HQ, was thrilled by the turnout.

"I am surprised and delighted at how well attended this event is," he said while standing by a Medium Support Vehicle System owned by the 38 Signals Regiment. "Since I arrived for my shift, I’ve been answering questions non-stop—it’s been busy all day."

A bit further down, visitors explored a C-3 Howitzer from 26 Field Regiment, based in Brandon and Portage la Prairie.

Warrant Officer Schroeder enjoyed interacting with the crowd.

"Most people, when I ask if they have a question, come up with something right away," he said. "It’s entertaining for both the kids and adults."

A particularly engaging display was the 17 Field Ambulance tent, where medics simulated realistic emergency scenarios with fake blood, prosthetic limbs, and bones.

Corporal Dalip Shekhawat, a medic, noted the enthusiasm of visitors.

"The crowd is amazing," he said. "They’re curious and loving the experience."

As the day continued, wristbands were quickly handed out to the thousands who came to take part. With buses departing every ten minutes, military members from across the base answered questions, demonstrated equipment, and shared their experiences.

Colonel Jody Hanson, Wing Commander of 17 Wing, appeared in a promo video in the theatre (Fitness and Recreation Centre Building 90), welcoming guests and highlighting the base’s key roles.

"We support numerous units here at CFB Winnipeg," she said. "Including 435 Squadron’s Search and Rescue team, our police force, medical clinic, and space-based training facility with advanced simulators."

Through conversations, demonstrations, and displays, the open house successfully connected civilians with the dedicated military personnel who serve at 17 Wing. For many, it was an unforgettable glimpse into life at one of Canada’s most important Air Force bases.