Canada’s Government Invests in the Halifax Region Defence Infrastructure Projects
NR – 09.018 - March 17, 2009
HALIFAX, N.S. – The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced important developments relating to defence infrastructure projects in the Halifax Region. This investment includes the recently completed renovations of 18 military housing units at 12 Wing Shearwater as well as the planned construction of a new armoury in Bedford NS.
These projects, worth more than $18 million, provide economic benefits in the Halifax region, including generating an estimated 73 direct employment opportunitiesover the course of the projects.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates this government’s commitment to providing our Canadian Forces with the infrastructure they need,” said Minister MacKay. “Be it a home for the families of our military members, or accommodations for our Military Police units - these significant investments in Canadian Forces infrastructure have and will contribute to the economy of this community.”
The project to significantly renovate 18 housing units at 12 Wing Shearwater started in February 2008. Since that time, the renovations increased the liveable floor area, adding a bedroom, new kitchen and bathroom/powder room, upgraded mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and new exterior cladding and windows, which in some cases involved rebuilding the unit from the foundation up. The construction contract was awarded through a competitive bid process to Blunden Construction Ltd of Halifax for $3.2 million in January 2008.
In addition, DND is planning for the construction of a new military armoury in Bedford NS. In preparation for the construction, DND, together with the Department of Justice, is finalizing the purchase of approximately 2 hectares of land to be the site of the future armoury. The armoury will be home to 3 Military Police Unit Headquarters and 30 Military Police Company. Construction is expected to start in two years.
DND holds a large number of properties all across the country to support the Canadian Forces, including some 21,000 buildings; 2.2 million hectares of land; 5,400 km of roads; and 3,000 km of water, storm and sewer pipes.
The implementation of CFDS will bring significant benefits here at home. In addition to a renewed commitment to domestic security, increased investment in defence infrastructure will bring economic benefits to Canadian industry.
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