CFB Shilo

Canadian Forces Base Shilo is an Operations and Training base of the Canadian Forces, located 35km east of Brandon, Manitoba. During the 1990s, Canadian Forces Base Shilo was also designated as an Area Support Unit, which acts as a local base of operations for south-west Manitoba in times of military and civil emergency.It is located at the very southwest corner of the Rural Municipality of North Cypress, and the very northwest corner of the Rural Municipality of South Cypress. Additionally, it lies adjacent to the eastern border of the Rural Municipality of Cornwallis.History and demographicsCFB Shilo has been a training facility for the Canadian Forces since 1910, and saw an increase in its use as a training facility following the outbreak of World War I. A World War I era War trophy Field Gun 77mm s/n 3316 is on display at CFB Shilo.The principal purpose of this base is for training in artillery and munitions, activities audibly recognized, though not begrudged, by generations of nearby residents. In 1942, training of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion was transferred here from Fort Benning, Georgia. The existence of the base has enhanced the economic stability of the surrounding area through contracted employment with the Department of National Defence, and provision of off-base services to staff and trainees. CFB Shilo provides employment for approximately 1,400 military personnel, as well as an additional estimated 450 civilian personnel. The base is located within the federal electoral district of Brandon—Souris.