Canadian Forces Base Gagetown

Canadian Forces Base Gagetown (or CFB Gagetown) functions primarily as the combat-training centre for the Canadian Army and comprises 111 000 hectares between Fredericton and Saint John, New Brunswick, west of the Saint John River. Named after the nearby village of GAGETOWN, it is roughly egg-shaped, with the permanent campsite at the northern tip. About 3000 soldiers are posted at the base, but the number of additional, temporary postings for combined arms (infantry, armour, artillery, air support) combat training varies greatly.

The base was constructed in the early 1950s when Canada's NATO commitments required a location large enough for training an entire division. The federal government chose this site partly to provide needed economic stimulus to central NB and because fewer than 3000 people would be displaced in expropriating the land. Militarily it offered nearness to an all-weather Atlantic port and a varied terrain - including open lands similar to northern Europe, swamps, dense forest and high hills. American and British forces have also used the base.

Author BILL SMITH

Links to Other Sites
Canada’s military is getting a new name — again
A news story about the federal government's decision to change the name of the Canadian military to it's former moniker "Canadian Armed Forces." From the National Post.

Oromocto
The website for the Town of Oromocto, located on the St. John River. Home of Canadian Forces Base Gagetown.

Canadian Forces Base/Area Support Group Gagetown
The website for Canadian Forces Base/Area Support Group Gagetown.

Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce
The website for the Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce (APCC), formerly the Maritime Board of Trade. Formed in 1896, this organization promotes and supports business and economic development in Atlantic Canada. Click on "Chambers" for links to local Chambers of Commerce.