Freedom of the City for 17 Wing CFB Winnipeg
- millerheather
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
By Martin Zeilig
As the sun climbed higher over Winnipeg’s downtown core, a sense of anticipation buzzed through the streets.
On this crisp spring morning, May 7, a tradition both steeped in history and alive with celebration was unfolding—one that marked the deep ties between the city and the men and women of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Winnipeg.
At the heart of it all stood Warrant Officer David Grenon, a familiar voice from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Band, now serving as the day’s Master of Ceremonies. His words carried through the crowd like a steady drumbeat, welcoming spectators to the Freedom of the City Parade.
“It’s my honour to be here today, recognizing the history and relationship between the city and 17 Wing,” he said with enthusiasm.
“It was a tradition with medieval origins—a time when cities granted select military units the right to march proudly, weapons unlowered, through their streets in a show of mutual trust and respect. Today, that gesture was not one of caution but of deep appreciation, as the city granted CFB Winnipeg the honour once more in recognition of its century of service.”
From Market Street to the steps of City Hall, the parade moved with rhythmic precision, as the marching RCAF Band played the stirring and distinctive RCAF March and the patriotic Maple Leaf Forever.
Bayonets gleamed in the sunlight, banners rippled in the wind, and the unmistakable cadence of marching boots reverberated across the pavement. As they neared the grand steel doors of City Hall, a final, symbolic challenge awaited—the Chief Constable, positioned like a sentinel, halting the unit’s advance.
“Identify yourselves,” came the formal demand.
With a firm voice, Base Commander Colonel Jody Hanson stepped forward. “We are 17 Wing, CFB Winnipeg, requesting Freedom of the City,” she declared.
Then, in a gesture as time-honoured as the ceremony itself, she raised her sword and knocked three times upon the heavy steel doors. A hush fell over the crowd before the mayor stepped forth, unlocking not just the door but the spirit of camaraderie between the city and its military guardians.
Mayor Scott Gillingham read the proclamation aloud, his words ringing out over the assembled troops and spectators alike.
“Today we’re celebrating 17 Wing’s 100th anniversary in the City of Winnipeg,” he declared.
“It’s a century of important partnership between the Canadian Armed Forces and the City of Winnipeg. The presence of 17 Wing is important for our economy, for our national security, and for Winnipeg’s identity as well.”
He then presented the unit with the Freedom of the City Award—a plaque acknowledging the enduring contributions of the Base to the city and beyond.
“Mayor Bill Norrie was the first to do this back in October 1992,” Mayor Gillingham noted, “and today, I get to reestablish and reinforce it. It’s my honour as Mayor to do this.”
Then, as if punctuating the event with a flourish only the Royal Canadian Air Force could provide, the distant hum of an aircraft grew louder. A Dash 8 training plane from 402 City of Winnipeg Squadron banked overhead, a fitting tribute to a century of dedication.
The energy of the day was palpable among dignitaries and uniformed personnel alike. Honourary Colonel Stuart Murray marveled at the spectacle, calling the tradition one that deserved more recognition.
“This is the traditional transfer of the keys to the city,” he said. “It’s a great tradition that we don’t do enough of, in my personal opinion. What a thrill to see this unfold.”
Colonel Hanson, CD, US LOM, expressed pride in being part of something so steeped in legacy.
“It was overjoyous,” she said to a reporter afterward.
“I was so proud to be here and celebrate our 100th anniversary and be able to bring a portion of our CFB Winnipeg team to City Hall to be recognized for our contributions over the past 100 years.”
Captain Ashley Gaudet reflected on the significance of the event.
“I thought today’s event was fantastic,” she said.
“I was at a Freedom of the City event in Calgary, so it was really great to be here to witness 17 Wing on parade along with the base commander and the 2 CAD Commander. Beautiful weather. Great to be here.”
Lieutenant Colonel Genevieve Dussault, Chairperson of the Committee for the 100th Anniversary of CFB Winnipeg, reflected on the months of planning behind the event.
“It’s a symbol of trust,” she said.
“We did it in 1992, and now again, with even greater meaning, bringing the City and First Nations together in this celebration. We had to put the program together carefully to ensure we did things right.”
Lieutenant Colonel Chris Bowers added his excitement.
“What a fantastic day! 100 years of the RCAF in Winnipeg, and to be able to take part in a ceremony like this—a milestone moment that people will look back on in their career. Great camaraderie. Great spirit in the city.”
As the ceremony concluded and the troops marched past City Hall once more, the streets of Winnipeg seemed to hum with renewed spirit. The moment was a bridge connecting history to the present—military tradition to civic pride.
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