June 2025
In December 2024, a small parkette was dedicated in Springwater Township, west of Barrie, Ontario. Dedicated in honour of the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force, a retired Canadair CT-133 Silver Star jet trainer, is the centrepiece of memorial parkette. Seven plaques are found along a short walking path around the parkette, detailing the 100-year history of the Royal Canadian Air Force and nearby Base Borden, the birthplace of the RCAF.
The parkette is part of the property once occupied by RCAFA 441 (Huronia) Wing.
The CT-133 Silver Star is the Canadian license-built version of the Lockheed T-33 jet trainer, was service with the RCAF from the 1950s to 2005.
This particular jet was formerly assigned to RCAF 443 Squadron, a fighter squadron that existed from World War II until 1964. Re-activated in 1974 as a helicopter squadron, 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron currently operates from the Patricia Bay Airport in British Columbia.
The dedication ceremony was held with the support of RCAFA 441 (Huronia) Wing, Bill Sergeant, Dr. Andrew Gregory and Springwater Township. The parkette is open to the public.
Sources: Facebook – RCAFA 441 (Huronia) Wing, 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron – Wikipedia.
