CFB Borden (RCAF Station Camp Borden)

Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden is a military installation located in Ontario, west of Barrie. Established in 1916 as a training center for the Canadian Expeditionary Force, it was named for Sir Frederick William Borden, the former Minister of Militia. In 1917, the site became the first military aerodrome in Canada and the first flying station of the Royal Flying Corps Canada. Following the 1924 formation of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), it was designated RCAF Station Camp Borden. During the Second World War, the base functioned as a primary training facility under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, hosting No. 1 Service Flying Training School until 1946. In 1968, the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces resulted in the site’s redesignation as CFB Borden. The aerodrome officially closed to fixed-wing traffic in 1970, and the 16 Wing designation was established during a 1990s reorganization.

The base is operated by the Department of National Defence under the Canadian Forces Support Training Group and reports to the Canadian Defence Academy. 16 Wing Borden is the primary air force lodger unit and comprises 16 Wing Headquarters, the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE), and the RCAF Academy. Other units stationed at the base include 400 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, the Canadian Forces Military Police Academy, and the Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre. The facility also houses schools for chaplaincy, firefighting, and medical and dental services.

The installation encompasses a 22,300-acre training area. While the original runways are closed, an active helipad supports rotary-wing operations. Infrastructure includes eight hangars from the Royal Flying Corps era, designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, and several federal heritage buildings such as Building O-102 and Croil Hall. The Base Borden Military Museum maintains a collection of armored vehicles and aircraft, including a CF-104 Starfighter on display. Specialized facilities include the Canadian Forces Fire and CBRN Academy and the Canadian Forces School of Music.