Leamington Air Cadets look to save historic home ahead of 65th anniversary
The Leamington Air Cadets 535 Archer Squadron is trying to save its historic H-hut building while celebrating their 65th anniversary this week.
The cadets have called the structure at the back of the former Leamington District Secondary School home since 1958, but now must move this summer while the town plans to put affordable housing on the property.
“Thousands and thousands of young people have gone through this building and have been trained in the air element,” said Jonathan Azzopardi, a graduate of the Windsor Air Cadets’ program and chair of the Leamington Squadron Sponsorship Committee.
“I think we're the best kept secret in all of Canada. Most people don't know about us. We were at one time the largest unit in Canada and we want to make sure that the world knows that 535 is here to stay.”
Jonathan Azzopardi, Butch Rickeard, Jim Goodall of the squadron sponsorship committee in Leamington, Ont. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)
The group’s final annual inspection ceremony inside the building Wednesday evening marks the official start to the squadron’s fundraising efforts.
Azzopardi said they need to raise between $350,000 to $500,000 to relocate significant portions of the 80-year-old building to a piece of land donated by the Leamington Agricultural Society, suggesting the historical significance is worth preservation.
“We're literally moving a building,” he said. “Costs are going to be high. Our training year starts in September. So we're up against a window of time that we'll make sure that we're actually ready for when the cadets come back.”
According to Squadron, The Leamington Cadet program started in partnership with Leamington District High School in 1943, converting from Army Cadets to Air Cadets in 1953. It ran as part of the school system until 1958.
535 Squadron was officially formed on Oct. 15, 1958.
The Leamington Air Cadets 535 Archer Squadron is trying to save its historic H-hut building pictured in Leamington, Ont. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. (Chris Campbell./CTV News Windsor)
The home building is an “H” Hut originally from the Windsor Airport and used in the Second World War, before it was relocated and 535 took official ownership.
The centre parade section was added to connect the two ends in 1968, and has remained since.
The building was formerly an elementary flight training school, and remains the only functional H-hut in Ontario that’s still being used for its original intended purpose.
“It speaks to the legacy of those that were involved in the war effort,” said Butch Rickeard, a Leamington high school teacher and secretary of the squadron sponsorship committee.
“World War II really symbolized a changing point for Canada and that people had to work together and buildings like this, which were quickly constructed, but used for decades later kind of were symbolic of that.”
The Leamington Air Cadets 535 Archer Squadron home. The building is an “H” Hut originally from the Windsor Airport and used in World War Two, before it was relocated and 535 took official ownership. Pictured in Leamington, Ont. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)
He continued, “And the fact that students still learn about air service, in air functionality and all those different mechanics that are surrounding it in the same classrooms that people who were going to fight in wars, it’s fantastic.”
“It’s too easy to forget our history,” Azzopardi told CTV News. “It would be so much easier for us to tear down this building and just build brand new on brand new foundation. But we'd be doing it a disservice. Somebody worked really hard 65 years ago to make sure that this building was preserved and was moved and was still serving the purpose that originally was intended to do. This team is not going to be the team that lets them down and hopefully 65 years from now, the same crew will be looking back and saying that was the right decision that we made.”
He continued, “The Ag Society has been looking for a way to actually plug in with the youth, which as part of their mandate and the Air Cadets kind of fit right into that mandate very nicely. So by bringing us on to the fairgrounds, it gives them instant access to exposure to working with the youth and that's what our program is all about, working with the youth.”
“We're going to need the support of the community and government, and hopefully they see the same great story that we see.”
The Leamington Air Cadets 535 Archer Squadron home. The building is an “H” Hut originally from the Windsor Airport and used in World War Two, before it was relocated and 535 took official ownership. Pictured in Leamington, Ont. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.