Carrying forward the legacy of a storied place
For generations, this place has been a point of connection, where people trained, lived, served, gathered, and built community. In 1941, the No. 31 Bombing and Gunnery School was established on the land and operated by the British Royal Air Force.
1941
Built as the No. 31 Bombing & Gunnery School, the site trained thousands of Allied airmen under the Brittish Commonwealth Air Training Plan.
1969
After the war, the base continued to serve the Royal Canadian Air Force and Canadian Army for technical training and support.
1970
Purchased in 1969 by a former Mayor of Picton and renamed the "Loch Sloy, Industrial Park" the site became home to light industry, warehousing, and community uses.
Forged through service and connection
Commonwealth trainees from different backgrounds lived and worked side by side, exchanging skills, traditions, and stories sparking cultural exchanges that extended far beyond military duty. Today, Base31, inspired by this storied past, commemorates this history through the careful restoration and adaptation of existing historic structures, and transforming the site into a cultural destination.
How we're building tomorrow from the stories of yesterday
At Base31, every step forward begins with respect for what came before. Our approach balances preservation and progress by restoring historic structures with care for their original materials, design, and story, while recognizing the deep military, community, and architectural heritage of the site. Through thoughtful adaptive reuse, these spaces are reimagined as places for culture, learning, gathering, and creativity. We are also committed to environmental responsibility by preserving resources, reducing waste, and strengthening ecological resilience so this historic place can continue to thrive for generations to come.
Discover the echoes of the past
Today, visitors can experience the site’s history through programs that bring its legacy to life.
1
Guided historic walking tours explore former barracks, mess halls, hangars, and the distinctive triangular runway layout.
2
The Exhibition Hall features rotating exhibitions, archival explorations, and creative interpretations of the site’s past.
3
Public art and outdoor displays reveal moments, individuals, and eras that shaped the base and the local community.
4
Seasonal events and heritage programs offer new perspectives on the place and the people who moved through it.
Caring for the land that carries our history
Long before runways were poured and barracks were built, this land was part of the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Anishnaabeg, Huron-Wendat, and Mississauga nations. Their relationship with this region continues today, forming an essential foundation for the story of this place.
Our stewardship and conservation efforts aim to ensure that the landscape remains healthy, resilient, and valued for those who live here today and for generations to come.
Our stewardship and conservation efforts