As part of Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is greening its defence infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent from 2005 levels, by 2030.
One way of doing so is through a new project that was announced today by William Amos, Member of Parliament for Pontiac. This project will provide new and enhanced facilities for the Royal Canadian Dragoons. As the most senior cavalry regiment in Canada, the Royal Canadian Dragoons was established on December 21, 1883, in Quebec City, Quebec as the Cavalry School Corps and was later changed to Canadian Dragoons in May 1892. Based in Petawawa, Ontario, the regiment currently serves as a regular force armoured unit in the 4th Canadian Division’s 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group.
“This pilot project represents the first time the Government of Canada will use the integrated project delivery approach for a construction project,” according to a press release. This is a unique way to manage construction projects and deliver results faster by collaborating between industry and government. This type of approach was successfully used to deliver private sector infrastructure projects.
“This new, modern infrastructure will also support our government’s commitment to fighting climate change while providing good, middle-class jobs for residents,” said Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan. With a value of $80.6 million, this project will provide about 225 jobs for the community during the construction period. The project will include the renovation of three existing buildings, and the replacement of eight old buildings with a single, centralized 9,900 square metre facility to accommodate vehicle maintenance, storage, logistics and training areas for daily operations.
“By replacing aging infrastructure with updated green facilities, we’re increasing our military’s capabilities, lowering our carbon footprint, and creating jobs and economic opportunities for Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec,” said Amos.
Acting on behalf of DND, Defence Construction Canada (DCC) awarded the construction and design contracts to PCL Constructors Inc. and Architecture49 Inc. A project team, which includes members from the Crown, the designer and the builder will work on shortening “the construction phase and deliver the project faster and at a better value.”
It is expected that the initial design and planning will be completed by fall 2019, with construction and renovations to commence by spring 2020. The facility is expected to be completed in 2021.
According to the release, “the new building will meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver standards and save an estimated $4.6 million in operations and maintenance costs over 40 years.”
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
