NR 13.189 - June 7, 2013
CFB ESQUIMALT, B.C. – Today, the Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Q.C., Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Delta – Richmond East officially opened the new Base Fire Hall and Emergency Response Centre at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, a project that helped generate approximately 100 jobs in British Columbia.
“Our Government’s investment in critical infrastructure for our Canadian Armed Forces are helping to ensure that our military and civilian personnel at CFB Esquimalt will have state-of-the-art equipment to assist them in carrying out their critical duties in the defence of Canada,” said Minister Findlay. “Investments like this in defence infrastructure are vital to ensure that members can train and work together towards our defence objectives.”
The new fire hall consists of a new two-storey, 4,438 m2 facility that includes five drive-through bays for emergency vehicles and will be earthquake resistant. The new facility was constructed on a DND property that is located on a main public roadway and is conveniently nearby residential buildings and the Canadian Forces Fleet School Esquimalt.
"The inauguration of this new building offers our DND first responders a state-of-the-art facility to enable vital and often dangerous work in support of the fleet,” said Vice Admiral Paul Maddison, Commander Royal Canadian Navy. “This versatile new building provides enhanced capabilities and increases our readiness to respond to emergency situations now and in the future.”
This project’s overall value is estimated at $27.3 million, which includes all aspects of the project, such as studies, design, construction, administration, contingencies and taxes.
As part of this project, a $20.9 million construction contract was awarded to Preview Builders International Inc. of Chilliwack, British Columbia, which helped generate approximately 100 jobs in the community throughout the duration of this project.
Infrastructure improvements at CFB Esquimalt, the home of the Pacific Fleet, continue to generate economic benefits and significant employment opportunities throughout the course of the work. CFB Esquimalt is home to approximately 4,000 military and 2,000 civilian personnel.
In line with the Canada First Defence Strategy, there is a need to update and replace dated defence infrastructure to meet the challenges of the 21st century. At the same time, the Government’s significant investments in defence infrastructure are providing economic benefits to communities across Canada.
-30-
