NR–07.062 - June 27, 2007
TRENTON, Ont. – The Honourable Gordon O’Connor, Minister of National Defence, today announced plans for two construction projects at 8 Wing/CFB Trenton, an investment estimated at $34 million for the local economy. The projects include the construction of an air traffic control tower, as well as the reconstruction of several taxiways and the expansion of an existing ramp to provide four permanent parking areas in preparation for the arrival of the strategic airlift C-17 Globemaster IIIs. It is anticipated that these initiatives alone will result in the creation of over 85 jobs in the region.
“These are the first of many projects planned for Trenton over the next few years. This summer will mark a very significant time for Trenton, and, as a result, the Department has started to pave the way for the arrival of the C-17s,” said the Honourable Gordon O’Connor, Minister of National Defence. “Once again, these initiatives further reinforce our government’s commitment to our Canadian Forces.”
"These projects are crucial to enabling the men and women of the Canadian Forces to do their job" said General Rick Hillier, the Chief of Defence Staff. "In short, this will help give them the necessary tools and infrastructure in Trenton."
The contract for the reconstruction of the taxiways and ramp was recently awarded to Miller Paving, a Canadian company based in Ontario. The contract for the new Air Traffic Control Tower has been tendered and will be awarded in the near future.
These projects are the first of several multi-million dollar projects to take place in the coming years at 8 Wing/CFB Trenton. For example, the reconstruction of the ramp and taxiways is the first of three phases, as the intent is to also reconstruct the southeastern and western areas. Preliminary development is underway for the construction of three hangars to support existing aircraft, and the new fleet of C-17s. An upgrade to the fuel distribution system is also being developed. In addition, an Aerospace and Telecommunications Engineering Support Squadron Refinishing Facility is being designed, and will replace the existing facility that is aging and no longer meets operational requirements.
8 Wing/CFB Trenton is currently home to a fleet of CC-130 Hercules and five CC-150 Polaris transport aircraft, and will be the home of the new C-17 Globemaster IIIs, scheduled for delivery in Summer 2007.
The Department of National Defence and Defence Construction Canada conducted fair and transparent competitive processes in order to initiate the reconstruction of the ramp and taxiways and the construction of the air traffic control tower.
-30-
