Standing tall at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Winnipeg for over 80 years, Building 21—the gym and drill hall—remains a lasting testament to the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP).
Constructed in January 1941, this historic building was one of over 1,800 structures erected across Canada to support the training of aircrew during the Second World War.
Designed similarly to aircraft hangars of the time, Building 21 features Warren trusses made of Douglas fir, an engineering approach that allowed for efficient assembly at multiple BCATP sites.
At its peak, No. 5 Air Observer School operated out of CFB Winnipeg, with Building 21 serving as a crucial training and gathering space.
Despite being built as a wartime emergency measure, Building 21 has remained a vital facility, undergoing structural reinforcements over the years to preserve its integrity. While most wartime structures have disappeared, Building 21 continues to serve military personnel and the wider base community, hosting fitness activities, graduations, and Royal Canadian Air Cadets events.
Its significance is recognized as a "Recognized Federal Heritage Building," reinforcing CFB Winnipeg’s deep connection to its past while continuing to support the present and future. Whether for drill practice or social gatherings, Building 21 stands as a symbol of adaptability, resilience, and the enduring legacy of the BCATP.
As CFB Winnipeg marks its 100th anniversary, take a moment to appreciate the history surrounding us—including this remarkable piece of the past that remains part of daily life on base today.
Comments