Previously featured squadron

581 Castlegar Squadron

Chartered: February 18, 1954
Status: Active
Community: Castlegar, BC

581 Castlegar Squadron group photo — 581 Castlegar Squadron

Squadron History

While there is limited supporting documentation, it is believed that the plans to start the 581 Castlegar Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron began in 1952. The Squadron received its Charter in 1954 and was stood up on February 18, 1954. Over the next 70+ years, 581 Castlegar Air Cadet Squadron has been providing Canada’s premier youth development program to the youth of the Castlegar/West Kootenay region.

The Squadron has had many homes throughout this period. The first was the Castlegar Elementary School which stood where the Courthouse now stands. This headquarters was followed by Stanley Humphries High School, The Kinnaird Hall and the old Airport Terminal Building. Since 1994, the Kiwanis Hall has been the HQ for 581 Castlegar Squadron.

Resilience and Renewal

Just prior to the Covid 19 Pandemic shut-down the Kiwanis Hall was flooded and largely destroyed. A great deal of the Squadron’s records was lost or totally destroyed. To add to this, during the shut-down, the Squadron strength was reduced to a near critical level. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Squadron Staff and SSC Members, today the Squadron numbers have rebounded with 1st and 2nd year Cadets.

Literally thousands of young women and men from the West Kootenays have worn the 581 Castlegar Air Cadet uniform and paraded with the Squadron. Throughout all these years, the Cadets have received youth development guidance, training and direction from numerous CIC Officers and Civilian Instructors while working in partnership with the 581 Squadron Sponsoring Committee’s Volunteer personnel.

581 Castlegar Squadron cadets marching in formation alongside an RCMP officer in red serge during a Remembrance Day parade in Castlegar, with poppy wreaths visible — 581 Castlegar Squadron — Remembrance Day parade, Castlegar

Aviation Training

Aviation training is a cornerstone of the Air Cadet program. 581 Castlegar Squadron cadets have had the opportunity to experience powered flight through the Cadet Glider and Power Pilot scholarship programs, taking advantage of the Castlegar Airport’s excellent facilities in the heart of the West Kootenay mountains.

Our sincere thanks to Brier Albano for his contributions to this month’s feature presentation.

Cadets and pilots from 581 Castlegar Squadron posed in front of a yellow and blue Cessna aircraft (C-FTUG) on the tarmac at Castlegar Airport, with forested mountains in the background — 581 Castlegar Squadron — cadets with a Cessna at Castlegar Airport

Visit the 581 Castlegar Squadron website