People making their way between the north gate of Riding Mountain National Park and the City of Dauphin will now be travelling on the Lt.-Col. William G. Barker VC Highway.
The Manitoba government officially renamed the section of PTH 10 at a special gathering Friday at the Dauphin airport, which also bears the name of the locally-born World War One ace.
Local historian Al Gray, along with Hugh Arklie, a Winnipeg-based fan of Barker’s accomplishments, spearheaded the push to have the highway renamed as a further tribute to Dauphin’s most famous son. Along with the airport and the highway, the local air cadet squadron and a Kindergarten to Grade 5 school are named after Barker, as is a United Kingdom’s 7th Poseidon Marine Patrol aircraft stationed at RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, Scotland.
“We started with the process of Whitmore and Main to the north gate of Riding Mountain. It is 10 miles. We could have gone a little further maybe, but I learned a long time ago not to be greedy,” Gray said.
“I’m so honoured that through the efforts of Hugh and I, through the courtesy of Ron and staff that we’re here today. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Representing the provincial government at the ceremony Agriculture Minister and Dauphin MLA Ron Kostyshyn highlighted the significance of the tribute for the community.
“This recognition helps honour his legacy and ensures future generations understand the important role he played in both Canadian history and our local heritage,” said Kostyshyn.
“These signs will serve as a lasting tribute to Lt.-Col. Barker’s remarkable legacy and connection to our region for years to come.”
The renaming initiative received strong public support, as well, from both the City and Rural Municipality of Dauphin.
“The people of Dauphin care deeply about the city’s history,” mayor David Bosiak said.
“It is truly appropriate that the major highway leading into the city from the south bears the name of one of our finest heroes.”
Barker is widely recognized as one of Canada’s most decorated war heroes. During the First World War, Barker was credited with 50 aerial victories and is the most decorated military member in Commonwealth history, receiving the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Service Order with bar and the Military Cross with two bars.
Born on a farm near Dauphin, he enlisted in the Canadian Mounted Rifles in late 1914, later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. He later earned a reputation as a daring pilot on the Western and Italian fronts.