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Infrastructure and Environment

Divestment Program

  • Buildings, sites, and lands that no longer meet the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces are disposed of to help reduce operating costs.
  • National Defence is seeking $1 million in these Main Estimates for the divestment of 41 properties, which are currently at various stages of the divestment process.
  • For example, land and ocean frontage in Mary Hill, British Columbia is being divested to First Nations communities.
  • National Defence will reinvest savings from divestments into the infrastructure portfolio to better support our military and to reduce its carbon footprint by investing in green infrastructure.

Key Facts

  • National Defence manages the largest infrastructure portfolio in the federal government, worth roughly $26B and with annual expenditures of over $2B or about 10% of the yearly defence budget.
  • It owns approximately 20,000 buildings, 11,800 military housing units, 5,500 km of roads, 3,000 km of water works, and over 2.2 million hectares of land.
  • National Defence's expected revenues for 2020-21 from the sale of properties and armouries is $25.1M.

Details

  • National Defence continually assesses its real property portfolio to identify surplus properties. If the property is no longer required to support the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operations or has no operational value to military members and families (e.g. morale and welfare), the site will be declared surplus. Once a site has been identified as surplus, the property enters the divestment process. 
  • Before making a final decision on whether to retain, transfer, or sell a property, National Defence considers:
    • Use of the property in support of CAF operations and readiness
    • Non-operational value to serving military members and their family (i.e., morale and welfare)
    • Use of the property by the local community
    • Potential future use by Indigenous groups, various levels of government, local communities, and the private sector
  • National Defence takes a responsible and responsive approach when considering the transfer or sale of real property. This includes multiple site assessments (heritage, security, environmental, and market-value reviews), as well as consultations with local communities, other levels of government, and Indigenous groups.

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Greening Defence

  • National Defence is taking concrete steps to reduce its carbon footprint.
  • I am pleased to report that since 2017, National Defence has reduced its emissions by 31%, and is on track to reach 40% by 2025, a full five years ahead of the original schedule.  
  • Modern, green, and functional infrastructure is at the heart of a well-equipped and engaged military.
  • That is why National Defence is requesting $26.1 million in these Estimates to continue its greening efforts as it delivers equipment and infrastructure to the Canadian Armed Forces.
  • These funds will be used to purchase and invest in clean power and Energy Performance Contracts, which include lighting retrofits, energy-efficient heating, and building upgrades.
  • Our continued investments to upgrade and replace critical National Defence infrastructure will contribute to the Government's efforts to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Key Facts

  • As of May 2020, National Defence has invested $236 million in a range of infrastructure projects, including:
    • $144.6M in green upgrades to military residential housing;
    • $50.8M to improve the energy performance of real property assets;
    • $28.1M to demolish obsolete buildings; and
    • $7M in the planned replacement of two heating plants at CFB Halifax.
  • Funding from these Main Estimates will build on past and recent accomplishments of greening the Defence Team.
    • For example, in June 2020, a new vehicle maintenance and transportation facility for the Integrated Logistics Section (ILS) at CFB Kingston was completed.
      • The $48.5 million project provided economic benefits for the community by generating approximately 180 jobs during construction.
  • National Defence also works closely with Indigenous communities to mitigate the environmental impact of operations and leverage Indigenous business capacity to supply clean electricity to our bases and wings.

Details

  • The Government of Canada's Greenhouse Gas Emissions online inventory reports that National Defence accounts for about 44% of the Government of Canada's emissions from buildings and commercial vehicles for 2018-19.
  • National Defence is implementing greenhouse gas emissions reduction measures in its real property portfolio, such as energy performance contracts at Defence installations across the country, clean energy purchases, and improved energy management.
  • These greening efforts significantly advance the Government's goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Actions taken to date by National Defence include:
    • Investing $225 million by 2020 in a variety of infrastructure projects across Canada to reduce our carbon footprint;
    • Ensuring all new construction and upgrades are built to Silver Leadership and Energy in Environmental Design standards; and
    • Transitioning 30% of the light-duty vehicle fleet to hybrid and electric.
  • National Defence is also implementing greenhouse gas reduction measures in its real property portfolio through energy performance contracts at Defence installations across the country, by purchasing clean electricity through Green Power Purchase Agreement initiatives, and by improving energy management.
    • Over 40 projects totalling $2B have been designed and implemented using LEED and Green Globes tools since 2012.
    • Most recently, CFB Edmonton TAPV and FME have achieved the LEED Silver standard.
  • In addition to efforts related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in National Defence's real property portfolio, National Defence is taking practical steps to better manage the use and disposal of plastics in operations by increasing the diversion rate of plastic waste, reducing unnecessary use of single-use plastics and procuring more sustainable plastics products.

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Federal Contaminated Site Action Plan (FCSAP)

  • National Defence acknowledges its responsibility and accountability for the impact that defence activities have on the environment, communities, and people.
  • Through the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan, we are investing resources to clean up historical contamination and minimize future environmental impact from military operations.
  • In these Main Estimates, National Defence is seeking $70.2 million to build on progress made in remediating contaminated sites.
  • Over the next year, National Defence will focus on high priority sites in British Colombia, Quebec, Ontario, and Nunavut.
  • Through programs such as these, National Defence is committed to ensuring our members and operations respect the environment, and exercise environmental stewardship.

Key Facts

  • 2019-20 Outcomes:
    • 7 site assessments and 86 sites remediated
    • 55 site closures
  • There was a 16.5% reduction in contaminated sites liability in 2019-20.
  • National Defence recently completed decontamination activities in Happy Valley, Newfoundland and Labrador, and up the Esquimalt Harbour.
    • CFB Esquimalt: Investing $162.4 million to clean up the contaminated seabed at Esquimalt Harbour.
    • Happy Valley Newfoundland and Labrador: Investment of $127.6 million for decontamination activities.

Details

  • Historical activities at many Canadian Armed Forces' bases and wings have left a legacy of environmental contamination. With support from the Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP), National Defence is cleaning up its highest risk sites.
  • Since 2005-06, National Defence has sought over $657 million in FCSAP remediation funds, including:
    • $127.6 million for Goose Bay Remediation Project, Happy Valley, NL;
    • At 8 Wing Trenton:
      • $2.5 million on the Fire Fighting Training Area/Hazardous Materials Storage remediation project
      • $4.5 million on the Aerospace and Telecommunications Engineering Support Squadron (ATESS) Refinishing Facility remediation project
      • $3.64 million on the Hangers 5 and 6 remediation project
    • $106.3 million on the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line site DYE-Main, Cape Dyer, NU; and
    • $30.9 million on the A/B Jetty Remediation Project, Esquimalt Harbour, BC.
  • National Defence is funding the following high priority sites with an environmental liability greater than $10M in fiscal year 2020-21:
    • BC
      • Esquimalt Harbour Remediation Project
      • 19 Wing PFAS
    • QC
      • TCE (Trichloroethylene) Valcartier Project
      • 3 Wing Bagotville Fire Hall Building 85
      • 3 Wing Bagotville Firefighter Training Area
    • NU
      • Brevoort Island, BAF-3 Petroleum Oil & Lubricants (POL) Storage Facility
    • ON
      • CFB Borden Firefighter Training Area

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Small Boat Float Upgrade Project

  • Floating jetties provide important support services to Royal Canadian Navy vessels and CFB Esquimalt.
  • This is why we are investing in the Small Boat Float Upgrade project, which will provide three new floating jetties to the Royal Canadian Navy's ORCA class ships at CFB Esquimalt.
  • This project will also provide berthing infrastructure for Canadian Forces Auxiliary Vessel's west coast assets, such as tugs and barges.  
  • In 2018, National Defence completed the first phase of the Small Boat Float Upgrade Project, by supplying new floating jetty modules.
  • In these Main Estimates, National Defence is requesting $25.8 million for phase two of this Project.
  • This phase involves removing underwater rocks, constructing shore-support infrastructure, installing additional floating jetties, and connecting utility lines.
  • These investments will improve the functionality of the facilities at CFB Esquimalt, while also replacing older infrastructure and addressing environmental concerns.

Key Facts

  • Objective of the $87.7 million project: provide long-term, cost-effective and operationally efficient berthing and berthing infrastructure.
  • The implementation phases:
    • Phase 1: Completed in 2018-19.
    • Phase 2: The removal of underwater rocks, construction of shore-support infrastructure, and installation of floating jetties and connection of the utility lines.
      • Blasting of underwater rock completed in January 2020.
  • Over the course of this project, an estimated 280 jobs will have been generated for the local economy.

Details

  • Budget 2016 provided $15.2 million to renew the Royal Canadian Navy's ship berthing capability at CFB Esquimalt, including key berthing capacity for the eight ORCA Class Patrol Ships that were delivered within the last decade.
  • The Small Boat Float Project will improve the berthing facilities for the smaller vessels at CFB Esquimalt. This includes:
    • The ORCA-class patrol vessels, which operate as training platforms and surveillance craft
    • The Canadian Forces Auxiliary Fleet vessel assets, which include tug boats, barges and yard craft 
  • The project will serve to rationalize the ship-berthing infrastructure portfolio through renewing or replacing older and inefficient jetty infrastructure.

Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Berthing Facility Improvements History

  • National Defence has been actively addressing the recapitalization of old jetty facilities at the Halifax and Esquimalt Dockyards over the past four decades.
  • Work at both the Small Boat Float Upgrade project construction site and the A/B Jetty project construction site is ongoing at the Esquimalt Dockyard.
  • Contaminated areas of the seabed in Esquimalt Harbour have been cleaned up prior to new marine infrastructure being built through projects like the Esquimalt Harbour Remediation Project; however, the project has since encountered residual contaminated materials that needed to be cleaned up. 

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Infrastructure Renewal at Valcartier

  • The Valcartier Research Centre is the largest of eight major research centres in Canada.
  • A majority of the Centre's infrastructure is over 50 years old and no longer meets current building standards.
  • That is why National Defence is requesting $32.1 million in these Main Estimates to dispose of existing buildings and build new ones.
  • The construction of this new complex will benefit the local economy by generating 750 jobs.
  • By employing sustainable construction and operating methods, it will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • When complete, the upgraded Valcartier Research Centre will enhance research and development in key areas, including in cyber security and weapons systems.

Key Facts

  • The project will: create a new pavilion complex (25,000 square meters), upgrade existing infrastructure using sustainable construction and operating methods, and demolish obsolete buildings.
  • Total project budget: $236.8 million.

Details

  • The Valcartier Research Center focuses on several defence Research & Development activities:
    • Vehicle and personnel protection systems
    • Weapon systems
    • Command, control and intelligence systems
    • Cyber security
    • Spectral and geospatial exploitation
    • Tactical surveillance and reconnaissance
    • Electro-optic warfare

Infrastructure Assessments

  • In 2000: DRDC Valcartier and Public Services and Procurement Canada found that the majority of the infrastructure at the DRDC Valcartier Research Centre don't meet current building standards.
  • In December 2009:  project approval was granted by the Minister of National Defence at a total cost of approximately $170 million, including taxes, to construct a new Pavilion Complex, to renovate some existing infrastructure and demolish other buildings.
    • Since the project approval in 2009, the project faced delays until it was granted expenditure authority for implementation in May 2019 at a total cost estimated at $236.8 million, excluding taxes.  
  • In November 2010: the project definition phase began.
  • In May 2019: project approval was awarded for the implementation phase.
  • In August 2020: a contract of $144 million was awarded for phase one of the project.

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A/B Jetty – Esquimalt

  • The A/B Jetty Recapitalization project will replace two jetties in Esquimalt Harbour.
  • The "A" Jetty is nearly 80 years old as has exceeded its life service life – the "B" Jetty was also 80 years old before it was demolished.
  • In these Main Estimates, National Defence is requesting $100.7 million to continue advancing the construction of the new "B" Jetty.
  • Upon project completion in 2028, the new Jetties will house the future Joint Support Ship and Canadian Surface Combatants.
  • As part of the ongoing A/B Jetty replacement, the project will also remove certain sediments and contamination, improving the long-term marine environment within Esquimalt Harbour.
  • These projects will help ensure the Royal Canadian Navy remains ready to serve the interests of Canada at sea.

Key Facts

  • The project has three phases:
    • Phase 1: completed in November 2014, created portions of a new utility corridor at the Dockyard.
    • Phase 2A: the demolition and excavation phase of the old "B" Jetty began in Spring 2017, and was completed in November 2019.
    • Phase 2B: the construction of the new "B" Jetty began in December 2019; due to COVID-19, project activities are proceeding slower than expected, which could impact the overall project schedule.
    • Phase 3: the construction of the new "A" Jetty is slated to begin in 2023.
  • The total approved budget is $1,047.3 million excluding taxes.
  • Benefits to the region and the Royal Canadian Navy include:
    • Short-term construction and material/equipment-supply employment opportunities;
    • Potential growth in the field of marine construction work;
    • Long-term improvements to naval response preparedness and disaster readiness;
    • Long-term operational efficiencies at CFB Esquimalt;
    • Long-term marine environment improvements within the waters of Esquimalt Harbour.

Details

  • Due to the degraded functional and technical condition of the existing old structures, the recapitalization of these facilities has long been an infrastructure priority for the Royal Canadian Navy and the Department of National Defence. They will be replaced by steel-and-concrete-pile "A" and "B" jetty facility.
  • The project is being delivered in a phased approach and should be completed in 2028.

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Kapyong Barracks

  • We recognize the importance of the Kapyong Barracks lands to the Treaty One First Nations, and remain committed to working together in the spirit of reconciliation.
  • As the current owner of this land, National Defence has worked closely with the Treaty One Nations to reach an agreement on the sale and future use of these lands in Winnipeg.
  • On August 30, 2019, Canada and the Treaty One First Nations signed a Comprehensive Settlement Agreement.
  • Per the agreement, 68% of the land will be sold to the Treaty One First Nations.
  • The remaining 32% of the property will be sold to the Canada Lands Company for redevelopment.
  • National Defence is requesting $11.14 million in these Main Estimates.
  • Of these funds, $9.1 million will be used for demolition costs, $1.9 million for economic development, and $140,000 for environmental studies.
  • This agreement provides a concrete demonstration of National Defence's commitment to supporting Indigenous peoples.

Key Facts

  • The first phase of demolishing the Kapyong Barracks was completed in May 2019.
    • The remaining demolition work is expected to be completed by fall 2021.
  • The transfer of the lands is expected to happen once Canada and the First Nations have completed the steps to create reserve lands.
    • This is anticipated to take four to five years.
  • The sale of the remaining land to the Canada Lands Company is expected once demolition work is complete.
  • The Treaty One First Nations and the Canada Lands Company will be responsible for developing future plans for the land in consultation with the community.

Details

  • The Kapyong Barracks site is comprised of approximately 160 acres of land and 40 buildings in Winnipeg. It was declared surplus in 2001 and was vacated in 2004. In 2007, Treasury Board approved the sale of the Kapyong Barracks site to the Canada Lands Company.
  • National Defence recognizes the importance of the Kapyong Barracks land to the Treaty One First Nations, and has been working closely with them to reach an agreement on the sale of the land since 2012. The Treaty One First Nations are the Long Plain First Nation, Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Peguis First Nation, Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, Sagkeeng First Nation, Sandy Bay First Nation, and Swan Lake First Nation.
  • On August 30, 2019, Canada and the Treaty One First Nations signed a Comprehensive Settlement Agreement, based on the shared understandings outlined in the April 2018 Agreement in Principle. The agreement outlines the terms to sell 68% of the Kapyong Barracks land to the Treaty One First Nations. The remaining 32% of the property will be sold through a separate agreement to the Canada Lands Company CLC Limited for redevelopment.
  • As the current owner of the land, National Defence is demolishing on-site infrastructure at the Kapyong Barracks. This will reduce the dangers associated with the deteriorating site, and will accommodate future development of the land. The first phase of demolition was completed in May 2019, and the remaining demolition work is expected to be completed in fall 2021.
  • The transfer of the former Kapyong Barracks lands to the Treaty One First Nations is expected to happen once Canada and the First Nations have completed the necessary steps for the creation of reserve lands.
  • The sale of the remaining land to the Canada Lands Company CLC Limited is expected once demolition work is complete. The Treaty One First Nations and Canada Lands Company CLC Limited will be responsible for developing future plans for the land in consultation with the community.
  • The Treaty One First Nations intend to develop a joint urban reserve on the former Kapyong Barracks lands. This is expected to provide ongoing benefits to the Treaty One First Nations through economic and employment opportunities.

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Unexploded Explosive Ordnance (UXO) Program

  • Unexploded ordnance, which were used for training and weapons testing during both world wars, are still present at former military sites across Canada.
  • Our Unexploded Explosive Ordnance Program catalogues these legacy sites, assesses risks, and conducts clearance operations.
  • When an item is located, National Defence communicates with all relevant stakeholders about the potential risks, as well as the mitigation actions being taken to ensure public safety.
  • National Defence is requesting $12.2 million in these Main Estimates for assessing and clearing legacy sites, and ensure on-going communication with affected communities.
  • This year, assessment and clearance activities will be conducted in Kettle and Stony Point First Nations land in Ontario, Lac-St-Pierre in Quebec, and Tracadie and Utopia in New Brunswick.
  • Through programs such as these, National Defence is committed to ensuring our members and operations respect the environment, and exercise environmental stewardship.

Key Facts

  • Since 2005, National Defence has committed $144.9M to the Unexploded Explosive Ordnance Program.
  • The largest clearance operation currently underway is taking place on in Kettle and Stony Point First Nation in Ontario.
  • COVID-19: The planned work on the Bell Island Wrecks, in Newfoundland, has been deferred due to COVID-19, which has impacted the operations of the Royal Canadian Navy. Work on these shipwrecks will resume when possible. 

Details

  • The Unexploded Explosive Ordnance Program, established in 2005, aims to reduce National Defence's UXO risk on legacy sites through implementing mitigation measures, including:
    • Gathering, cataloguing and maintaining information on all UXO legacy sites
    • Assessing UXO risks associated with all UXO legacy sites
    • Managing/mitigating UXO risks on UXO legacy sites through communication (signage, safety briefings)
    • Implementing assessment and clearance projects on prioritized legacy sites
    • Implementing assessment and clearance projects on sites in the divestment process

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Afghanistan Memorial Hall

  • In the last few months, access to the Memorial Hall was restricted to families of the fallen as part of our efforts to control the spread of the COVID-19.
  • As of October 26, 2020 the Memorial Hall will be temporarily closed to conduct repairs due to water damage in and around the Afghanistan Memorial Hall.
  • These repairs involve restoring and adding protective material to the roof, repairing interior water damage, and rectifying drainage issues.
  • While the building itself was damaged, the Kandahar Cenotaph and all its components, which include the Plaques of the Fallen, were not impacted and remain fully intact.
  • Once the repairs are completed, we look forward to safely re-opening the Memorial Hall to the public, in accordance with public health measures at that time.

Key Facts

  • Total cost of the Afghanistan Memorial Hall: $2.3M
  • The repairs are expected to be completed by December 2020.
  • On May 13, 2019, National Defence held an opening ceremony to open the Memorial Hall.
  • On August 17, 2019 a rededication ceremony was held with families and friends of the fallen and their guests.

Details

  • The Afghanistan Memorial Hall was created in 2006 as a grassroots endeavour by soldiers to honour their fallen brothers and sisters at the Canadian Task Force Headquarters located at the Kandahar Airfield, in Afghanistan.
  • On the cenotaph are plaques that honour 158 Canadian Forces members who died as well as Foreign Affairs official, a Calgary Herald journalist, and a civilian from a company under contract to the DND.
  • Other plaques honour 42 US military personnel and one civilian who died while serving under Canadian command. The cenotaph was dismantled and transported to Canada from Afghanistan in 2011.
  • The construction of the Afghanistan Memorial Hall at NDHQ Carling began in May 2017. The hall was built by Laurin & Company and handed over to National Defence in March 2018.

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Major Infrastructure Projects

  • Through Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government is making investments to modernize existing military infrastructure and to build new facilities at bases and wings across the country.
  • For example, we have completed major jetty upgrades in Halifax to provide berthing space for naval ships, with further upgrades to be completed at CFB Esquimalt.
  • We have also completed a new armoury at the Saint-Hubert Garrison to house and provide a training facility for reserve units.
  • Additionally, National Defence will build new fighter jet facilities at 4 Wing Cold Lake and 3 Wing Bagotville to operate, maintain and store the 88 future fighters, once delivered.
  • These significant investments will help ensure that our women and men in uniform have access to safe and modern facilities in which to work, train, and live.
  • These major projects will also create jobs and provide economic opportunities for local businesses across the country.

If pressed on healthcare facility at CFB Petawawa:

  • Construction of the healthcare facility at CFB Petawawa has been delayed as a result of a bankruptcy claim filed by the general contractor, and impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Despite these delays, we continue to advance the construction of a Health Services Centre at CFB Petawawa.
  • This centre will expand, integrate and relocate existing health services into a modern new facility.
  • We anticipate the completion of this centre by December 2020.

Key Facts

  • National Defence's $26B infrastructure portfolio includes:
    • 20,000 buildings;
    • 2.1 million hectares of land; 
    • 5,500 km of roads; and,
    • 3,000 km of water works.
  • Maintenance and operation accounts for about 10% of the defence budget in any given year.
  • Since 2015, National Defence has invested over $3.8B in maintaining, repairing, replacing and building its infrastructure.

Details

  • National Defence manages the largest infrastructure portfolio in the federal government, which includes:
    • 20,000 buildings (including 8,800 military housing buildings); and,
    • 20,000 works (such as jetties, runways, roads, and training areas).
    • In 2016, National Defence centralized its approach to infrastructure management, going from nine individual operators to one under the authority of Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment). This approach has improved National Defence's visibility of the overall portfolio and reduced administrative costs.
  • National Defence's internal target for investments in maintenance and repair is 1.4% of the value of the overall infrastructure portfolio. However, recent spending has fallen short of this internal target. Since 2015-2016, National Defence has invested:
    • 2015-2016: 1.19% ($309.4 million);
    • 2016-2017: 1.31% ($340.6 million);
    • 2017-2018: 1.1% ($286 million);
    • 2018-2019: 1.05% ($273 million); and
    • 2019-2020: 1.01% ($234 million).
  • National Defence's decisions on the maintenance and repairs of existing infrastructure are based on three main priorities: health and safety, compliance; and military operations. 

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