01
No. 31 Bombing and Gunnery School
The site, now known as the Base31 cultural destination, was built by the Canadian government and originally operated by the British Royal Airforce as No. 31 Bombing and Gunnery School -- RAF Station Picton. It was built in 1940 as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan that trained aircrews from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand during World War II. The 70-acre site includes more than 40 former barracks, mess halls, hangars and administrative buildings. It is part of an approximately 750-acre property. In its next chapter it will serve as home to one of the nation’s largest revitalization projects.
02
CAMP PICTON
From 1946 until 1962, Camp Picton, currently Base 31, was the base that stationed the Royal Canadian School of Artillery (Anti-Aircraft) (RCSA(AA)). Operational artillery units, being the 127th and 128th Medium AA Batteries, the Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) and the 2nd and 3rd Light AA Batteries of the 1st Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment (RCA), along with a small detachment of the RCAF called Camp Picton home. The school provided training for artillery instructors, gunnery radar operators, anti-aircraft gunners, and technical assistants. The RCAF provided aircraft targets for gunners training.
03
Avro CF-105 Arrow Model Testing
When the 11 Avro CF-105 Arrow models were brought to Prince Edward County for testing, they were housed at the base under security of the RCSA(AA) and RCAF. When testing occurred, the test models were convoyed to Point Petre by members of the base. And, some individuals stationed at the base were present at Point Petre to witness the test model launches. (Photo Credit: Ingenium; HS-70213)
04
The Evolution of the Site
In 1962, the First Battalion of the Canadian Guards utilized the base and the site was renamed Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Picton. The site was decommissioned as a military base in 1969 and sold to former Mayor of Picton, H. J. McFarland. He renamed it Loch-Sloy Business Park in honour of his Scottish heritage.
The site transferred ownership again in 1999 but the name was adapted to Loch-Sloy Business Park and Airport. Loch Sloy Holdings Limited Inc. under the management of Jacqui Burley is credited with preserving many of the site's heritage buildings and adapting them for flexible industrial and commercial spaces.
Today, Base31 is one of Prince Edward County's premier cultural destinations, offering live music,
exhibitions, public art, food and drink, family programming, historic tours, outdoor recreation, and
spaces for local businesses and makers. At the heart of the site is B31 District, where much of
Base31's cultural programming and public experiences take place, while Base Living reflects the
site's long-term vision for future neighbourhoods. Visitors can explore the Exhibition Hall and
historic tours while enjoying a dynamic mix of arts, culture, community, and entertainment. Through
partnerships with local organizations, artists, and businesses, Base31 continues to contribute to the
cultural vitality, economic strength, and long-term growth of Prince Edward County.
26-343 County Road 22 Picton, ON K0K 2T0
+1-613-476-3064 | info@base31.ca
July 1 - Sept 7 - Wed to Sun | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sept 8 - Nov 11 - Fri to Sun | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM