NR - 00.086 - September 24, 2009
GREENWOOD, N.S. – The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced an investment in defence infrastructure projects planned for 14 Wing Greenwood. These projects generate economic benefits for the local community, with the potential to create more than 360 direct employment opportunities throughout the course of the work.
The announcement represents an overall investment of more than $66 million, and includes the planned construction of a new health services centre, a refuelling tender garage, a new fire hall, improvements to an existing hangar, an aircraft mobile support equipment (AMSE) storage facility, and an intermediate framework distribution facility.
“These investments represent more great examples of this Government's significant contribution to building infrastructure across Canada,” said Minister MacKay. “These projects provide the facilities and the modern accommodations that the Canadian Forces deserve.”
The first of the projects announced is the planned construction of a new health services centre at 14 Wing Greenwood. This two storey, 4,473 m 2 facility will provide modern medical, dental and mental health services to the garrison community. This will directly impact health care for the men and women of the Canadian Forces by building a facility that will improve the healthcare staff's ability to provide services with increased space and a more functional layout. Construction is expected to start in winter 2010.
The second project announced involves plans to build a 2,495 m 2 refuelling tender garage, to store and maintain airport refuellers. The current facility, built 42 years ago, is aging and will not be able to accommodate future fleet refuelling requirements. The new purpose-built facility will include a fire suppression and spill containment system, fume extraction systems, and carbon dioxide detection and warning sensors for maintenance areas. Construction is expected to start in the upcoming years.
The third project will see the construction of a new fire hall that will include the administrative, training, operation and domestic functions necessary to operate a modern fire department. The new building will be able to accommodate the new fleet of larger aircraft and fire fighting vehicles and will include offices, training rooms, quarters, classrooms, and storage areas, minimizing response times by ensuring direct access to the airfield. Construction of the fire hall is now underway, with completion expected by summer 2010.
The fourth project announced involves structural, mechanical and electrical modifications to an existing hangar for use by 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron. Recapitalizing the hangar will meet the operational requirements of 413 Squadron, supporting the CH-149 Cormorant fleet, the current C-130 Hercules Search and Rescue (SAR) fleet, and the future Fixed Wing SAR fleets for the next 50 to 60 years.
The remaining projects announced today include the construction of both an AMSE storage facility and an intermediate distribution framework facility. The AMSE supports the day-to-day operations of CP-140/A Aurora and Arcturus aircraft; and the intermediate distribution framework facility will directly support the flight line recapitalization occurring over the next few years.
In 2007, DND announced a planned investment in the fire hall, health service centre, and refueling tender garage. Since that time, the projects have evolved, and the department is pleased today to announce that these projects are moving forward. Upon final approval, contracts will be awarded which will generate significant economic benefits for the Greenwood region.
The Government of Canada is conducting open, fair, and transparent competitive processes in order to award the construction contracts for the projects at 14 Wing Greenwood.
The Canada First Defence Strategy reflects a renewed commitment to domestic security and investments in defence infrastructure that generate economic benefits for Canadian industry.
The Department of National Defence holds a large number of properties all across the country to support the Canadian Forces, including some 21,000 buildings, 2.25 million hectares of land, 5,500 km of roads, and 3,000 km of water, storm and sewer pipes.
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