The Canadian Army is establishing a greater presence in the City of Cranbrook with the opening of a new Armoury at 2500 Cranbrook St. on January 19.

The Armoury will be home to 44 Engineer Squadron (44 ES), part of 39 Combat Engineer Regiment. The squadron comprises Combat Engineers and other support trades from both Cranbrook and Trail.

The changes are part of a planned expansion of the unit in the Kootenay region. Until now, the squadron’s Reserve combat engineers have been parading in Cranbrook out of temporary accommodations. Needing more space for equipment and its growing numbers, the unit signed a lease for a new location last October.

The Armoury opening follows the December 2016 move of a 44 (ES) Heavy Equipment Troop from Trail to Cranbrook.

“We are very excited to better establish our footprint in Cranbrook and we welcome the community to the opening of our new Armoury,” stated Lieutenant Colonel James P. Julien, Commanding Officer 39 Combat Engineer Regiment. He added: “44 Engineer Squadron has a long and proud history in the Kootenays and I look forward to celebrating that past – and our promising future – with the people of Cranbrook.”

To mark the opening, the public is invited to an Open House running from noon until 4 p.m. Saturday. Military engineer equipment and interactive displays will be set-up throughout the Armoury and Army Reservists serving in the area will be on hand to discuss what they do.

The command teams of the regiments of 39 Canadian Brigade Group, which compose the Army of BC, will be in Cranbrook for a conference coinciding with the official opening of the Armoury. As such, Col. Paul Ursich, Commander of 39 Canadian Brigade Group will be the guest of honour at the opening ceremony at 4 p.m.

44 Engineer Squadron is recruiting new members. Individuals interested in joining the Army Reserves can contact the squadron at 250-368-2128 or [email protected]

Lead image: 44 Engineer Squadron (44 ES), part of 39 Combat Engineer Regiment. Photo courtesy Canadian Armed Forces

44 Engineer Squadron

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