Esquimalt Barn Burner Epic Weekend marks 31st anniversary of HMCS Calgary
Calgary Salutes joined HMCS Calgary and the Esquimalt community for the 31st anniversary of the ship's commissioning, May 22–24. The weekend included the Paris Sahlen Golf Tournament, the annual Barn Burner, an Orca Class day sail, and a Wardroom reception.
The Calgary Salutes delegation travelled to CFB Esquimalt, British Columbia, May 22–24, 2026, for the annual Esquimalt Barn Burner Epic Weekend. The visit marked the 31st anniversary of HMCS Calgary's commissioning and brought together committee members, ship's company, and community supporters for three days of military-civic programming.
Paris Sahlen Golf Tournament — Friday, May 22
The weekend opened with the annual Paris Sahlen Golf Tournament at Pacific Highland Golf in Victoria. The tournament honours the legacy of HMCS Calgary's late Honorary Coxswain, Paris Sahlen (1944–2018), and raises funds for naval heritage and community causes in Calgary. Teams of four competed in a full round of golf.
HMCS Calgary Barn Burner — Saturday, May 23
The flagship event of the weekend, the Barn Burner, was held at the HMCS Venture Gunroom on CFB Esquimalt. The Western-themed celebration featured live music, a taco truck, a mechanical bull, a bouncy castle, lawn games, and a dunk tank. All proceeds supported the Firefighters Burn Treatment Society in Calgary.
Calgary City Councillor DJ Kelly (Ward 4) joined the ship's Commanding Officer, Commander Matthew Woodburn, and James Costello, CEO of Tool Shed Brewing Company, for the evening. Photographs from the evening appear below.
DJ Kelly, Calgary City Councillor (Ward 4), with Commander Matthew Woodburn, Commanding Officer of HMCS Calgary.
James Costello (CEO, Tool Shed Brewing Company), Commander Matthew Woodburn, and DJ Kelly at the mechanical bull.
Orca Day Sail — Sunday, May 24
Guests joined the crew of HMCS Calgary for a day sail aboard an Orca Class Training Vessel, experiencing the vessel's capabilities and life at sea.
Sub-Lieutenant Cameron Donaldson, Calgary's assistant deck officer and the ship's liaison to the Friends of HMCS Calgary committee, led the delegation aboard. Donaldson had been the operational link between the ship and the committee since March, coordinating the Esquimalt weekend from the naval side. He has since moved to a training posting — the Navy keeps its people rotating.
DJ Kelly, Sub-Lieutenant Cameron Donaldson, and Raj Taneja aboard the Orca Class Training Vessel during the Esquimalt day sail.
Wardroom Reception — Sunday, May 24
The weekend concluded with a reception at the base Wardroom, where guests and members of the ship's company gathered before the delegation returned to Calgary.
At the Wardroom reception: Commander Matthew Woodburn, Commanding Officer of HMCS Calgary; Raj Taneja, committee member; Martin Savidge, Canadian-American television correspondent and former CNN anchor; and Coxswain Mark Stevens, HMCS Calgary.
About the anniversary
HMCS Calgary (FFH 335) was commissioned on May 12, 1995. The 31st anniversary in 2026 marks more than three decades of service and the ongoing civic-military bond between the City of Calgary and its namesake frigate. Calgary Salutes coordinates this connection through events, programming, and public engagement.
For questions about Calgary Salutes or upcoming events, email hello@calgarysalutes.ca.