June 24, 2014
The Government of Canada is the custodian of a broad range of infrastructure and is committed to maintaining and improving infrastructure across the country. Investments in this critical infrastructure are a key element in our efforts to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. Amongst other purposes, our infrastructure allows people and goods to move more freely and safely across the country, supports scientific innovation, and protects Canada’s legendary natural heritage.
The Government is announcing an additional $5.8 billion in investments that will continue to build and renew infrastructure across the country. The majority of this support will be delivered within the next three years. Of this investment, $5.3 billion will go towards modernizing and repairing various infrastructure assets that will provide employment opportunities in communities across Canada and support services to Canadians that in turn contribute to Canada’s long-term economic prosperity. Also, $500 million will be allocated to the repair and construction of on-reserve schools.
This long-term commitment to building and maintaining world-class infrastructure will create jobs and improve the quality of life of all Canadians.
The Department of National Defence has received $452 million for the repair and upgrade of Canadian Armed Forces facilities. Revitalized defence infrastructure across Canada will provide the Canadian Armed Forces with the facilities they need to provide support to troops, including military families, and the Reserve forces, and to ensure the health and safety of our men and women in uniform.
The Department of National Defence has identified an opportunity to perform a number of improvements at its aging armouries across Canada. Over the next two years, $135 million will be invested in projects involving repairs to roofs, siding, plumbing, and heating and ventilation systems.
At Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Shilo, the Canadian Forces Housing Authority (CFHA) has identified the need for additional, new, housing units. Of the $15.2 million, an investment of $8 million will construct 24 new residential units. An additional $4 million is allocated to existing housing units for new plumbing, electrical and heating systems, and, changes to interior layout, as well as exterior work such as new siding, windows and doors, and, better insulation.
Renovations will also be completed at quarters on the base. A $3.2 million project will provide numerous upgrades to electrical, mechanical systems, and improvements to overall living space in military quarters.
Located in southwestern Manitoba, 35 kilometres east of Brandon, CFB Shilo has been the site of military activity in the region since 1910. The training area of CFB Shilo covers almost 40,000 hectares, an area approximately 15 km by 30 km. Its mission is to enable success of training, operations and force generation activities by providing premiere training venues and the professional delivery of comprehensive support to lodger units and dependencies.
CFB Shilo is home to First Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1RCHA), and Second Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI). Both of these units are part of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group.
CFB Shilo also provides training facilities for a number of other organizations including the RCMP and Manitoba Corrections. In addition to the many Canadian soldiers who train at Shilo, troops from several foreign countries, including Germany, France, Denmark and the United States, have trained at the base.
With a current population of approximately 1700 people, the base has approximately 600 private married quarters, operates its own sewer and water system and provides fire and ambulance services to base residents and neighbouring communities.
For more information, please follow the links below:
Backgrounder – Federal Infrastructure
Canadian Forces Base Shilo
