June 30, 2015
Revitalized defence infrastructure across Canada will provide the Canadian Armed Forces with the facilities they need to provide support to troops and military families, to support the Reserve forces, to support operations home and abroad, and to ensure the health and safety of our men and women in uniform.
The Department of National Defence has identified an opportunity to perform a number of improvements at its aging Armouries across Canada. Over the next two years, $135 million will be invested in projects involving repairs to roofs, siding, plumbing, and heating and ventilation systems.
A $1.6 million project to revitalize and repair three Winnipeg-based military buildings will fund: washroom renovations and gravel for parking and storage areas at the Minto Armoury; a new dirty-work area at the McGregor Armoury; and roof repairs at HMCS Chippawa, which is a naval reserve unit.
Both the Minto and McGregor Armouries are recognized federal heritage buildings.
The Minto Armoury is home to members of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of 38 Canadian Brigade Group which in turn is part of the 3rd Canadian Division of the Canadian Army. The Royal Winnipeg Rifles are the premier Infantry unit in Manitoba, founded in 1883, with a long and proud history dedicated to the service of Canada.
The Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles is His Royal Highness, Charles, Prince of Wales. The Honorary Colonel of the unit is Dr. Emoke Szathmary, a biological anthropologist and former president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manitoba. The Honorary Lieutenant Colonel is Abdo (Albert) El Tassi, president and CEO of Peerless Garments Ltd.
The officers of The Royal Winnipeg Rifles train as infantry soldiers. As a light infantry unit, soldiers are taught field craft, weapons handling, navigation, infantry tactics and other skills.
The Regimental Band has been a vital part of the Regiment since its inception, providing musical support for countless events for the Regiment and other units across the country.
The Minto Armoury is located at 969 St. Matthews Avenue in Winnipeg. Phone number: 204-786-4300 (local 3350)
The McGregor Armoury is home to the Fort Garry Horse, an armoured reconnaissance unit in the Canadian Army Reserve. The Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment is part of 38 Canadian Brigade Group and provides tactical information on the enemy and ground to the Brigade.
Members from Fort Garry Horse have battle honours from a number of major conflicts, including the Northwest Rebellion in 1885, the Battle of the Somme during the First World War and Normandy in the Second World War, among others.
The McGregor Armoury is located at 551 Machray Avenue in Winnipeg.
HMCS Chippawa was originally formed in 1923, but was commissioned under its current name in 1941. During the Second World War, HMCS Chippawa was one of Canada’s largest Naval recruitment sites.
Among its other proud service, HMCS Chippawa has a strong history of flood fighting throughout Manitoba. Naval reservists have often used HMCS Chippawa to base their flood-relief efforts when area rivers spill their banks, affecting many local communities.
HMCS Chippawa is located at 1 Navy Way in Winnipeg.
