Planned upgrades for airfield at 5 Wing Goose Bay 

News release

July 15, 2019 – Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador – Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

As outlined in Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is investing in modern and efficient infrastructure to support the operational needs of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel.

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, announced upgrades planned for the airfield at 5 Wing Goose Bay.

Approximately $2.3 million in runway repairs are planned in the short term. A full runway repaving project and airfield lighting upgrades are planned in the next few years.

These upgrades will ensure 5 Wing’s airfield continues to support military and civilian air operations, while providing economic development opportunities for businesses in the region.  

Quotes

“We are investing in critical infrastructure to ensure our women and men in uniform have the facilities they need to train and operate effectively. These important upgrades will ensure the continued success of 5 Wing Goose Bay operations for years to come.”

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

“The Canadian Armed Forces have been an integral part of the Goose Bay community for over 70 years. These projects represent key investments in our military and the region, and will create good jobs and strong economic opportunities for Labrador."

Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador

“5 Wing Goose Bay is an important training and operating base for the Royal Canadian Air Force and our Allied partners. These investments are central to our military training and flight operations in support of NORAD.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Stéphane Racle, Commander, 5 Wing Goose Bay

Quick facts

  • As 5 Wing’s runways were built in the 1950s, they are nearing the end of their intended service life and will soon need to be replaced. Regular maintenance and repair work is ongoing until these larger projects begin.

  • The runway repair contract was awarded to Markland Paving Ltd. from St. John’s, NL. The temporary airfield restrictions for heavy aircraft are expected to be lifted once this work is completed.

  • The runway lighting and repaving projects are expected to be tendered in summer 2019, with work planned to take place over the next few summers. 

  • These projects will take place in the summer because of the weather and short construction season (typically June to September) in Goose Bay. Work will be sequenced so that one of 5 Wing’s runways always remains operational.

  • 5 Wing Goose Bay supports a wide variety of military operations, including joint training for the Canadian Armed Forces, our Allies and NORAD.

Associated links

Contacts

Todd Lane
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-3100
Email: todd.lane@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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