Families, Friends and Community Invited to Tour CFB Esquimalt Colwood Facility

For the first time in a decade, CFB Esquimalt is opening its doors to the public on Saturday, June 11 for the West Shore Navy day. Residents of the Greater Victoria area can get an up close and personal look at CFB Esquimalt and its operations.

The event will take place at the Colwood Facility, a part of the base typically closed off to the public. The open house gives the base a chance to foster relations and connect with the community they are located in and will give the community an opportunity to understand what the Royal Canadian Navy does.

“Navy Day is our opportunity to invite the community within which we reside to come visit us.

“Our goal is to eliminate the mystery of the Base by showcasing our capabilities, which are developed and sustained for the missions we are tasked to do.

“A naval presence has been here for 150 years; as the third-largest employer in the region the Base and its workforce, both military and civilian, are inextricably linked to all of the area’s municipalities,” said Captain (Navy) Steve Waddell, Base Commander.

This free day of family fun includes ship tours of the Patrol Craft Training Vessel Orca and Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Saskatoon and Winnipeg,  both of which recently returned from international operations. Visitors will have the chance to interact with the crew as they take guided walks of the ships.

Those attending can also enjoy rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) rides or test out their firefighting skills in a simulated fire using military equipment.

Cadets will be present at the event, the MFRC will showcase miliary displays, and several food trucks will be on site.

Additionally, Vancouver native and Colorado Avalanche defensemen Tyson Barrie will be on hand to sign autographs and take pictures to promote and raise funds for military police taking part in the Tour de Rock charity cycling event in the fall.

The West Shore Navy day will begin at 10:30 and run until 3 p.m. Adults over the age of 16 may need photo ID and children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are encouraged to “Go Green” and take transit, use complimentary shuttles or bike to the event.

For more information visit the CFB Esquimalt Facebook page.