Changes come to 3 CDSG as CFB Edmonton and CFB Wainwright are reborn
April 25, 2025 - Capt Ryan Bartlette, Public Affairs Officer, 3rd Canadian Division Support Group
On April 1, big changes were implemented at ‘Edmonton Garrison,’ although they may not have been obvious to the casual observer.
To better serve the soldiers, sailors and aviators across the formation, 3rd Canadian Division Support Group (3 CDSG) undertook a transformation to convert the bases in Edmonton and Wainwright back to Canadian Forces Bases (CFBs). Additionally, elements of 39 Canadian Brigade Group (39 CBG) that were tasked with providing institutional support will now come under the command of CFB Suffield.
So, why was this done? The main reasons were to separate Combat Service Support (CSS) and Institutional Support (IS) functions, thereby freeing up the field forces to focus on Force Employment; and provide stability and reliability in the way institutional support across the formation is offered. Previously, Brigades provided institutional support on behalf of 3 CDSG. However, that level of support was subject to change as priorities shifted within the field forces. This transition will provide consistency in everything from clothing store hours to how snow and ice control is conducted.
The biggest efficiency gained will be combining previous elements of Operations, Corporate, Technical and Personnel Services under one Command structure. It will be clear to all where to go, and the authorities for all of them will be nested neatly under one roof. Having this single agency will improve efficiency as authorities are streamlined.
For the typical Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) member, the changes will be minimal. The kitchen will still be open the same hours, and an appointment will still be needed to book a full‑scale kit‑out at clothing stores. The real advantages will be gained behind the scenes, in the planning and logistical support domains that will provide predictability in all business across the formation.
Additionally, 1 Service Battalion (1 Svc Bn) can now focus full‑time on CSS, leaving the IS to CFB Edmonton.
It also eliminates the duality of Command. Previously, Commander 3 CDSG was equally the Base Commander for both 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton and Detachment Wainwright. Having a CFB Edmonton Base Commander at the Lieutenant‑Colonel level allows Commander 3 CDSG to focus on formation level priorities—the “big picture”—while leaving the running of the base in the trusted hands of a Base Commander.
At the CFB level there will also be efficiencies in command, as the three Operations, Technical and Personnel Services Lieutenant‑Colonels will now be under the authority of one Base Commander at each of the Edmonton and Wainwright locations – a net reduction of one position while centralizing authorities and responsibilities.
On April 3, Colonel Robbin Dove, Commander 3 CDSG, witnessed the signing of scrolls as Lieutenant‑Colonel Craig Butler and Chief Warrant Officer Clayton Schoepp signed for their command authorities, signifying the creation of CFB Edmonton.
Caption
Lieutenant‑Colonel Craig Butler, newly appointed Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton Base Commander, speaks to troops and the audience during the April 3 ceremony to formally re‑establish Canadian Forces Base Edmonton.
Photo by Pte John MacKay, Edmonton Garrison Imaging
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Lieutenant‑Colonel Craig Butler, newly appointed Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton Base Commander (front), signs the scroll to formally assume command of the re‑established CFB Edmonton on April 3. He was joined in signing the transfer of command scrolls by Colonel Robbin Dove, Commander 3rd Canadian Division Support Group (centre), and Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Clayton Schoepp, newly appointed CFB Edmonton Base CWO (rear).
Photo by Pte John MacKay, Edmonton Garrison Imaging
The newly recommissioned CFB Edmonton flag was on the dais, alongside the 3 CDSG flag. This marked the first time the CFB Edmonton flag was flown since it was last lowered in April 2013.
LCol Sandy Cooper, Commanding Officer Personnel Services, noted a unified chain of command will better support the field force. He remarked there would be bumps, but encouraged those on parade to figure them out, communicate them, and help smooth them out.
Col Dove commented that 3rd Canadian Division is the only Division reverting to a multi‑base model. This is due to the Division’s unique geographic footprint that spans from Thunder Bay, Ont., to Vancouver Island, and up north to Yellowknife, N.W.T. He stated there has already been significant change this year as 300 soldiers moved to base‑side jobs from 1 Svc Bn as part of the Canadian Army’s Accountabilities, Responsibilities and Authorities Trial. According to Col Dove, centralizing authorities and giving them the resources needed to do their duties will produce efficiencies for the formation.
Following the scroll signing, Col Dove stepped down as CFB Edmonton Base Commander, entrusting the day‑to‑day running of the base to LCol Butler, who will ensure the base is prepared to enable success for the Army of the West.
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Colonel Robbin Dove, Commander 3rd Canadian Division Support Group (centre), inspects troops during the ceremony to officially re‑establish Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton on April 3. Joining Col Dove in the inspection is Lieutenant‑Colonel Craig Butler (centre right), the newly appointed CFB Edmonton Base Commander.
Photo by Pte John MacKay, Edmonton Garrison Imaging
Caption
On April 4, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright was formally re‑established with a Transfer of Command Authority parade. The ceremony included a signing to hand over command to new CFB Wainwright Base Commander Lieutenant‑Colonel Brian Churney (left) and Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Stephane Caillie (right), the new Base CWO. They were joined in signing the transfer of command scrolls by Colonel Robbin Dove, Commander 3rd Canadian Division Support Group (3 CDSG) (centre left) and CWO Marc Drolet, 3 CDSG Sergeant‑Major.
Photo by Cpl Trevor Pomarenski, Canadian Armed Forces Photo (Wainwright)
The freshly appointed LCol Butler echoed LCol Cooper’s comments about improved command and control efficiencies, and added it’s ultimately about keeping the CAF’s promises to Canadians. He inspired those on parade that even the small things like filling out a claim or issuing kit matter to soldiers and their families and is important as the CAF continues to develop its personnel.
On April 4, CFB Wainwright held its own parade to mark the transition back to a base. Honoured guests, Department of National Defence public servants and CAF members attended the parade to mark the transition. This change of authority resulted in LCol Brian Churney becoming Base Commander and CWO Stephane Caillie becoming Base CWO.
“This has truly been a team effort, and I thank everyone that has contributed to making the standup of Canadian Forces Base Wainwright today a success story,” said LCol Churney.
“Success is built on trust, respect and collaboration,” he added, summing up CFB Wainwright’s recent transition.
Col Dove expressed confidence in the future.
"We will continue to enable success for the 3rd Canadian Division, for the Canadian Army in Western Canada,” he said.
CFB Wainwright has a long history of providing critical institutional support both domestically and abroad. The base will maintain its commitment to providing exceptional service, consistent training and strong support for the CAF.
"For those of you here today, many things remain unchanged,” Col Dove reminded parade participants and attendees, highlighting that most soldiers would face minimal disruption in the transition. “Most of you are still working in the same location, under the same supervisor, with the same tools and equipment,"
He also noted how positive change is well underway within the CAF.
"We’ve seen greater recruitment resulting in the Canadian Armed Forces achieving its strategic intake goals for the first time in a decade," he said.
Although still retaining its CFB moniker, there will be changes in Suffield as Detachment Calgary will now include The Military Museums. In addition, Detachment Mainland B.C. will be stood up and will see 39 CBG IS assets come under control of CFB Suffield Base Commander LCol Joe Andrechek.
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