Despite cuts to budgets, infrastructure still needs to be maintained and/or replaced. Having spent a fair amount of time in and around the Dockyard, Stad, etc I have to say despite the looming budget cuts, this is likely spending that will pay off for years to come in terms of newer facilities and better QOL. Anyone who's graced A Block or Wellington House knows they are pretty depressing to stay in for any amount of time.
I'd hazard a guess even if they weren't built this FY, the operating (fuel, etc) budget for the east coast would remain the same.
The Halifax Armouries is a Heritage building.