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Destination Currie

Created in 1936, The Parade Square was the beating heart of the barracks. The Square had more than 265,000 sq. ft. of open space for ceremonies, celebrations, and activities of daily military living in Currie. It offered civilians a glimpse of grand military tradition and helped solidify their connection with the Canadian Armed Forces. Throughout the years, The Square played host to many dignitaries, including members of the royal family.

Along the Trasimene Heritage Walk in Currie, you’ll find the Letters Home installation – which tells stories of Canadian servicemen and women through the letters they wrote home during times of military conflict. The commemorative plaques in this area give visitors a glimpse of who these individuals were. The site is lined with beautiful mature trees and includes bicycling and walking paths connecting the community through Alexandria Park.

Constructed with the Officers’ Mess Building in 1936, this elegant garden was a place for the highest-ranking officers in the armed forces to hang out. Today, its gazebo, mature trees, flowering shrubs, pathways, and seating make it a beautiful site to enjoy community events or visit with friends and family.

This single-story building constructed in 1936 was one of the first structures in Currie Barracks. While the unique K-shaped design of the Stables Building accommodated up to one hundred horses, its high ceilings, arrangement of windows and doors, and brick construction maximized light, airflow, and sanitation. After the Second World War, it was converted into lodging for infantry units to meet the growing accommodation demands of the Canadian Armed Forces.

At the time of its construction in 1936, the Athlone was the hub for all administrative duties in Currie Barracks. The building’s design conveys the authority of the Canadian military and the grand, formal traditions that come with it. The Athlone sets itself apart with a distinctive double-return staircase and ornamental wrought-iron finishes, as well as a military insignia formed by a crown, three maple branches, and a pair of crossed swords inset in the floor of the main foyer.

Constructed in 1936, the Bessborough was the first permanent barracks in Currie. The barracks’ design reflects its functional nature and formal atmosphere. The building has a rough-faced concrete exterior, cohesive, a cottage-style shingled roof, and Romanesque arches at entryways. Together with the Athlone and the Bennett buildings, the Bessborough creates an elegant frame for The Parade Square complex. The Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, and the Queen’s Own Rifle lived at the Bessborough until 1971.

Constructed in 1952, The Pellat Block was a part of the second phase of the development of The Parade Square. Like its counterpart buildings, it housed thousands of non-commissioned members over the years. Although the Pellat Block’s design appears more modern, it complements the classic looks of other buildings with elements like a rough concrete façade, a wood cottage-style roof, and a north-facing balcony with a maple leaf motif.

The Brad House, constructed between 1936 and 1938, was a residence for base commanders in Currie Barracks. The cottage-style building with eclectic styling is segregated from the main part of Currie Barracks to emphasize the elite status of its residents and their separation from the other members of the base. This stretch of the road connects both Brad House and Ramshead House to the Officers’ Mess Hall and provides access to the main base and The Parade Square.

Constructed between 1936 and 1938, this cottage-style building with eclectic styling is segregated from the main part of Currie Barracks to emphasize the elite status of its residents – the regimental commanders in Currie Barracks. This stretch of the road connects both Brad House and Ramshead House to the Officers’ Mess Hall and provides access to the main base and The Parade Square.

The Officers’ Mess Hall was the ultimate symbol of elite military status. The building was constructed in 1936 to be a gathering and living space for officers and high-ranking members stationed in Currie. It also provided housing for visiting dignitaries. The striking X-shaped design of the building features symmetrical wings and a gabled wood-framed roof, along with a formal garden at the back.

Constructed in 1935, the Bennett was not only one of the first structures to form The Parade Square, but it was also a primary mess and recreation hall for non-commissioned members to socialize. The main idea behind the H-shaped design of this building was to reinforce rank separation for both dining and recreation activities. The Bennett Building became a multi-use structure and headquarters to Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and the #1 Service Battalion in 1971. Today, the Bennett stands tall as a reminder of generations of military excellence and leadership.