The history of Slemon Park originates in 1940 with the decision to open a base in Prince Edward Island to support the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. The base was named RCAF Station Summerside in 1941 and became home to No. 9 Service Flying Training School for pilots, No. 53 Air Cadet Squadron and No. 1 General Reconnaissance School for pilots and navigators. Planes used for training during World War II included the HARVARD and the ANSON. 

In 1948, the RCAF Air Navigation School was established which provided pilot and navigator training using the DAKOTA and LANCASTER aircraft. With an increase in base activity came the need for more housing units. Starting in 1949, houses, roads and a school were built and the new residential area was named Slemon Park in honor of Air Vice Marshall Roy Slemon. 

RCAF Station Summerside began a new role in 1953 under Maritime Air Command as the No. 2. Maritime Operational Training Unit. This began the era of the NEPTUNE anti-submarine aircraft in addition to the LANCASTER.   

In 1959, the Maritime Proving and Evaluation Unit began in Summerside and the contract to build the big cantilever Hangar 8 building was awarded.  This brought the first ARGUS aircraft to Summerside and was followed by the establishment of 415 “Swordfish” Squadron in 1961 with its ARGUS aircraft. 

In February 1968, RCAF Station Summerside was renamed Canadian Forces Base Summerside. Later that year, 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron was established as the prime search and rescue unit on Canada’s east coast. 413 Squadron flew BUFFALO and LABRADOR aircraft during the 1970s. 

The Junior Leadership school was formed in 1974 to develop leadership potential for the Canadian Armed Forces. 880 Maritime Reconnaissance Squadron and 420 Air Reserve Squadron moved to Summerside in 1981, operating the TRACKER aircraft.

The closure of CFB Summerside was announced by the Canadian government in 1989, and in April 1992, the former CFB Summerside property was transferred to its current owner, Slemon Park Corporation. Slemon Park Corporation is a commercial and residential property management and development company. 

Slemon Park is now the location for some of the world's finest companies and training organizations in aviation, aerospace, police and security training and other commercial activities. The former Officers’ Mess for CFB Summerside serves as the front desk and conference facility for the Slemon Park Hotel and Conference Centre, and the conference rooms are named for the planes that flew here. 

The current residents, students and staff of organizations at Slemon Park are proud to be associated with the fine people who have served in military and civilian capacities at RCAF Station Summerside and at CFB Summerside.      

Gallery

Anson	Argus
Dakota	Lab Helicopter
Harvard	Lancaster
Tracker	Buffalo