July 15, 2015
In November 2014, the Government announced an additional $5.8 billion investment (Federal Infrastructure) 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.
The Department of National Defence (DND) has received $452 million for the repair and upgrade of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) facilities. Revitalized defence infrastructure across Canada will provide the Canadian Armed Forces with the facilities they need to support troops, military families and Reserve forces, as well as to support operations at home and abroad, and to ensure the health and safety of our men and women in uniform. DND 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.
The J.A. McIntosh Armoury DSO, ED, Armoury (The Armoury - Historic Places), also known as the Cambridge Armoury, is situated in Cambridge’s downtown area. Built in 1915, the Tudor style building, with fortress-like details in stone and brick, is associated with the development of Canada’s militia and makes a significant architectural contribution to the city. The Armoury in Cambridge is compatible with the present character of the commercial setting in downtown Cambridge. It is evident by the armoury’s scale, distinctive design and use of materials.
The armoury is the proud home to the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada, one of the nation’s oldest infantry regiments, with a distinguished service dating back to the War of 1812. The unit belongs to 31 Canadian Brigade Group of the 4th Canadian Division, Canada’s Army in Ontario. During the Great War, almost 4,000 volunteers from Waterloo County served in the regiment, more than 100 of whom were decorated for valour. In 1998, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, granted the HF of C the right to her “Royal” designation in recognition of the Regiment’s long and distinguished service to the Commonwealth, Canada and the community of Waterloo Region. The Regiment and its soldiers have continued to serve Canada’s interests worldwide in peace support operations including Egypt, Cyprus, Cambodia, Namibia, the former Republic of Yugoslavia and, most recently, Afghanistan and Darfur.
The Cambridge Armoury is also home to the 296 City of Cambridge Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron (296 Cadet Squadron). The squadron offers a dynamic, structured program, providing youth aged 12 to 18, a variety of interesting and challenging activities. Cadets are motivated to improve their physical fitness, to work harder at their academic studies and to give back to their communities through volunteerism. Cadets are not members of the Canadian Armed Forces (About Cadets).
