Before it became home to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Winnipeg and Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, the airfield west of the city was known as Stevenson Field. Opened in 1928, it played a crucial role in Canadian aviation history, from pioneering commercial flights to training aircrew as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) during the Second World War.
The airfield was named after Captain Fred J. Stevenson, a decorated First World War pilot and a pioneering bush pilot in Manitoba. Tragically, Stevenson died in a test flight accident in 1928, just months before the field’s official opening. His legacy lived on as Stevenson Field became a hub of activity for both civil and military aviation.
In its early years, Stevenson Field consisted of little more than a small cabin, a single hangar, and grass runways. However, it quickly gained prominence. With the introduction of passenger and mail service between Winnipeg and the United States by 1931, Stevenson Field became Canada’s first international airport. In 1936, the federal government selected Winnipeg as the headquarters for the newly created Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA), leading to significant expansion. By 1938, the field had modern hangars, paved runways, boundary lighting, and air traffic control facilities.
Military Expansion During the Second World War
With the onset of the Second World War, Stevenson Field transformed into a major hub for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP), a program that trained over 130,000 pilots and aircrew for the Allied war effort. The airfield became a bustling military installation, home to new buildings, hundreds of aircraft, and thousands of personnel supporting the war effort. The No. 8 Repair Depot, constructed in 1940, played a key role in overhauling aircraft and salvaging plane wrecks, ensuring a steady supply of mission-ready aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
Following the war, Stevenson Field continued to serve both civilian and military aviation. By the 1950s, it was Canada’s fourth-largest civil airport, while also remaining a critical RCAF facility. The site housed No. 2 Navigation School and served as the largest NATO air training school in Canada. To reflect its evolving role, Stevenson Field was officially renamed Winnipeg International Airport in 1958, solidifying its status as both a commercial and military aviation centre.
The Military Legacy Continues
Even as civilian aviation expanded, the military presence at the airfield remained strong. Today, CFB Winnipeg is a key operational hub for the Royal Canadian Air Force, supporting air mobility, training, and NORAD operations. The historic airfield that once trained wartime pilots now plays a vital role in modern defence operations, ensuring that the legacy of Stevenson Field—and its contribution to Canada’s military aviation—continues into the future.
Comments