
The Manitoba Agricultural College was built in 1905, becoming the Manitoba School of the Deaf in 1913, and the Tuxedo Military Convalescent Hospital in 1917. It was renamed Fort Osborne Barracks in 1919, replacing the original Fort Osborne Barracks established on what is now the Legislative Building grounds in 1874.
The barracks was named for Lieutenant Colonel William Osborne Smith, who was the first commander of the area now covered by CFB Winnipeg in 1871. Osborne Street, adjacent to the original barracks, is named after him.
When the Canadian Air Force began operations out of Winnipeg in 1922, the barracks provided accommodations for military personnel and served as an administrative and operational hub for the RCAF when it was formed in April 1924. In 1925 a new headquarters office was established on Notre Dame Avenue, but RCAF personnel continued to reside at the barracks until new structures were established at Stevenson Field during the Second World War.

The barracks remained the home of Permanent Force members of the army, such as Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), The Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, and Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians).
After the Second World War, Fort Osborne Barracks continued to play an important role, and with expansion to the south of the original site, became part of Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg during the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968. Its legacy as a military installation underscores the strategic importance of Winnipeg within Canada’s defence history.
Today, the former grounds of Fort Osborne Barracks have been repurposed and now house the Asper Jewish Community Campus. This transformation from a military installation to a vibrant community space highlights the adaptability of historic sites and their continued relevance to society.
As we celebrate CFB Winnipeg’s 100th anniversary, Fort Osborne Barracks stands as a reminder of the city’s rich military history and the enduring contributions of those who served within its walls.
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