NR–07.044 - May 29, 2007
SHEARWATER, NS - The Department of National Defence
awarded a $13.6 million contract to Brycon Construction Ltd of Dartmouth, NS,
on May 14, 2007, for the Heliport Conversion Project at 12 Wing Shearwater.
The Heliport Conversion Project will upgrade the landing area, taxiway, approach
lighting and training areas at 12 Wing to support safe CH-124 Sea King operations
and future CH-148 Cyclones. This project, recently announced along with
the construction of three in-service support facilities, is part of a program
of infrastructure improvements to support maritime helicopter operations into
the future.
“This investment, which is part of the $170 million in infrastructure
upgrades announced last week, clearly demonstrates the commitment of this government
to the Canadian Forces and 12 Wing Shearwater,” said the Minister of
Defence, Gordon O’Connor, “The heliport conversion is long overdue,
and will support maritime helicopter operations into the future.”
“The conversion of the heliport at 12 Wing Shearwater will ensure safe
Sea King and Cyclone operations,” said the Chief of the Defence Staff,
General Rick Hillier, “Shearwater has played a vital role in CF operations
for decades, and the completion of the heliport conversion will enable 12 Wing
to do its job and fully support our maritime helicopter fleet on the east coast.”
The Heliport Conversion Project will see improvements to electrical systems,
approach lighting and the construction of training areas. An existing
runway and two taxiways will be reconstructed and resurfaced to provide a new
landing area and taxiways. In addition, navigational aids, site fencing
and access roads will be relocated or modified to ensure security and flight
safety measures are satisfied.
12 Wing Shearwater is currently home to the CH-124
Sea Kings, and will become the home of the new CH-148 Cyclone helicopters on
the east coast, scheduled for delivery beginning in January 2009.
The Department of National Defence and Defence Construction Canada developed
an open, fair and transparent competitive process in order to initiate the
contract for the heliport conversion.
