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.

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 Marc-Andre Langlois
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)
Maj Stephen Rankin (CADTC)
Capt Patrick Berrigan (CCSB / CA Int Regt)
Capt Eric Brisebois (21 EW)
Capt Al Craigie (PSTC)
Capt Ian McNaught (CACSC)

Bar & Kitchen Officer
Maj Alexandre Roman
Entertainment Officer
Capt Al Craigie
Administrative Assistant
Amanda Laver
Mess Secretary
Capt Ian McNaught
Associate Representatives
Mr 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: (Subject to change)*
Thursday: (Subject to change)*
Friday (TGIF): (Subject to change)*

See Calendar for specific Holiday Hours.
OTHER BAR HOURS VARY FROM EVENT TO EVENT, INCLUDING CACSC COURSES.
*Due to COVID-19 and staffing restrictions, weekly bar hours will vary and are subject to change. Please contact the Mess Management Staff or your Mess Representative to confirm bar hours.*

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