A Legacy Walk event slated for Saturday, Nov. 4 on the former CFB Chilliwack grounds is being held exactly one week before Remembrance Day ceremonies in Chilliwack.
The free guided tour will be led by veteran Jim Harris of the Chilliwack Military Museum, as he recounts stories about life on the old base before it was transformed into Garrison Crossing, and Canada Education Park.
“The former military base, CFB Chilliwack, isn’t there anymore,” says Darren Kennedy, who handles IT and PR for the Chilliwack Military Museum.
That means many new Chilliwack residents, and even long-time members of the community may not be aware of the extensive history of the military in the area, mapped out in 27 plaques on the walk, known as “plinths” in military lingo, with details of note printed on each.
“The plinths tell the story of life on the base,” Kennedy said. “Garrison is now there but once upon a time it was military barracks and offices.”
Starting point of the Legacy Walk is Waves Coffee House, near the Save-On Foods in Vedder. From there they’ll head over to the corner of Tamihi and Market Way for the first plaque on the walk.
The base officially closed in 1997. It was first a garrison for army units in 1941 when it opened as Camp Chilliwack, and was renamed CFB Chilliwack in 1966.
Harris, who is leading the tour, is a retired veteran.
“Jim was there,” Kennedy said. “He can add a lot of colour to the stories, and bring them to life.”
Organizers held the 2022 walk immediately following Remembrance Day events last year, and a total of 40 people took the tour.
The 2023 walk will take about 90 minutes. It will run rain or shine. There is no cost to participate but everyone must register, by emailing Legacy Walk organizers at imugcanada@yahoo.com
See more online at cfbchilliwack.com/events, including the option to take a self-guided tour.
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