The Fort Frontenac Officers’ Mess

Welcome to
THE MESS

The Fort Frontenac Officers' Mess (FFOM) is a foundational experience for all Canadian Army Officers and is located in Fort Frontenac, in Kingston, ON. It is a home away from home to the students and staff of the Canadian Army Command and Staff College, as well as its fellow lodger units at CFB Kingston. The mess also plays host to a wide number of associate members; retiree officers and other professionals who work and reside in the Kingston area.

The Mess welcomes all members, both posted-in and associate. We ask that you be respectful of your fellow members and other guests, and help us assist you in making your time here as pleasant and memorable as possible.

Please note, this is a members only institution.

Message from the PmC, June 2021:

Dear Members,

The FFOM Patio will be opened for bar service, for active military members and active DND staff only, on Friday June 18 and Friday June 25. Due to current staffing challenges, the hours will be 15:30-17:00 only. This is in accordance with current Provincial public health measures and Base Commander policy. The mess is, unfortunately, still closed to our associates and defence team family members but we look forward to welcoming those members back as soon as we are permitted to do so.

TGIF Take-Out service will continue FOR ALL MEMBERS until 31 July. The decision to continue into Aug will be based on COVID-19 restrictions at that time. If you are coming to pick up your take-out order, you must remain in your vehicle at all times and exit the fort immediately after pickup.

Military Members & DND Staff:

Seating on the Patio is limited to 24 members, and it will be on a first come first served basis. You do not need to register if you are coming to enjoy a beverage on the patio. Our Covid-19 protocols will still be in place:

If you are feeling unwell or have any COVID-19 symptoms, you are not permitted to enter the Fort.
You must wait to be seated by the greeter and answer the Covid-19 tracing questions .
Handshaking and any other physical contact is prohibited.
All members must observe physical distancing and remain 2 metres apart
All members must wear their mask until they are seated with a beverage. If you get up from your seat for any reason, you must put your mask back on.
Mingling between tables is prohibited.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate the reopening.

LCol Christian Caron, CD, MA

Meet YOUR MESS COMMITTEE

Commanding Officer of the Mess
Col Tod Strickland

President of the Mess Committee (PMC)
LCol Christian Caron

Vice President of the Mess Committee (VPMC)
Maj Andrew Gault

Treasurer
Capt Brandon Tempest
Non-Public Property Development Officer
Maj Bill Lister
Mess Manager 
Janine deSavigny-McGee
Infrastructure Officer
Maj Eric Storm
Unit Representatives
LCdr Mark Shepherd (IATF)
LCol Edward Underhill (CALWC)
Capt Patrick Berrigan (CCSB / CA Int Regt)
Capt Eric Brisebois (21 EW)
Capt Al Craigie (PSTC)
Capt Ian McNaught (CACSC)

Bar & Kitchen Officer
VACANT
Entertainment Officer
Capt Al Craigie
Administrative Assistant
Amanda Laver
Mess Secretary
Capt Ian McNaught
Associate Representatives
David Nolan

a beautiful location in the heart of kingston

Fort Frontenac occupies a site of national historic significance, as it is one of the earliest sites of permanent European habitation in Ontario. The Fort is strategically located at a crossroads of three major waterways: Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and later, the Rideau Canal. The Fort and the ships based in its harbour were intended to control all east-west and north-south traffic to eastern North America. In 1673, under Louis de Buade, Comte de Frontenac and Governor of New France, the French built the original Fort Frontenac that consisted of palisades, earthworks and log buildings. Under the first Commandant, Robert Cavalier Sieur de LaSalle, the Fort was improved with stone walls and bastions, and was used as a base for explorations to the interior of the continent. In 1758, under Lieutenant Colonel John Bradstreet of the 60th Royal Americans, the British captured the Fort and destroyed the French ships in the harbour. They took over the Fort permanently after the capitulation of New France in 1760. The Fort was a vital outpost in the War of 1812. Kingston's strategic importance increased when the south shore of the St. Lawrence River was ceded to the Americans.

Many of the current buildings, including the Officers' Mess and the barrack blocks, were constructed in the period of 1821 to 1824. The Fort Frontenac Officers' Mess is located in the LaSalle Block, named after the Fort's first Commandant. For most of its life, the LaSalle Block has provided accommodation and messing for Officers. Fort Frontenac has contributed significantly to the development of the City of Kingston and the economic growth of Eastern Ontario. Since 1947, it has been the home of the Canadian Army Staff College, which is now known as the Canadian Army Command and Staff College.

Location AND HOURS

FORT FRONTENAC OFFICERS' MESS
317 Ontario St
Kingston, ON
K7K 7B4

OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Friday: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Saturday-Sunday: Closed

REGULAR BAR HOURS
Wednesday: 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Thursday: 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Friday (TGIF): 3:00 - 7:00 pm

See Calendar for specific Holiday Hours.
OTHER BAR HOURS VARY FROM EVENT TO EVENT, INCLUDING CACSC COURSES.

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