News Release
NR–07.035 - May 11, 2007
SHEARWATER, NS – The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced today plans for several construction projects at 12 Wing Shearwater, an investment estimated at $170 million for the local economy. It is anticipated that this will result in the creation of over 1,500 jobs in the region.
“Shearwater has played a critical role in Canadian Forces operations for decades and will be a cornerstone of maritime and air operations for decades to come. The current facilities in Shearwater are aging, and do not meet operational requirements,” said the Honourable Gordon O’Connor, Minister of National Defence. “Once complete, the new heliport structures and in-service support facilities will enable the Canadian Forces to fully support its maritime helicopter fleet.”
“This is a major economic benefit for the province of Nova Scotia, and shows Canada’s new government’s commitment to maintaining a vital military presence in the region,” said Minister MacKay. “Investing in Shearwater will generate significant employment and provide a major boost the local economy.”
“The Department of National Defence is committed to providing the men and women of the Canadian Forces with the tools and infrastructure necessary to conduct and support maritime helicopter operations while continuing to ensure flight safety,” said the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier.
The projects include the construction of three in-service support facilities and the conversion of the Shearwater airfield into a heliport. Bird Construction Company has been awarded a contract for approximately $98.3 million. The Shearwater Heliport Conversion Project has been tendered and the intent is to award a contract in the near future.
12 Wing Shearwater is currently home to the CH-124 Sea Kings, and will be the home of the new CH-148 Cyclone helicopters, scheduled for delivery beginning in January 2009.
The Department of National Defence and Defence Construction Canada developed a series of open, fair and transparent competitive processes in order to initiate the construction of both the heliport conversion and the new in-service support facilities.
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