Backgrounder

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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New helicopter facility at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt

February 22, 2011
Sidney, British Columbia

In keeping with goals set out in the Canada First Defence Strategy, the Harper Government is committed to providing the hard-working men and women of the Canadian Forces with the tools and equipment they need to take on the challenges of the 21^st century.

The new helicopter facility, valued at approximately $155 million dollars, will serve the needs of the 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt. This new facility will replace the existing hangar which is now more than 60 years old. It will house the nine new CH-148 Cyclone helicopters that are expected to arrive in the spring of 2014.

Given the requirement for more space and an appropriate fire-suppression system for the new helicopters, it will be more cost effective to build a new facility, rather than renovate and expand the current hangar, which is now more than 60 years old.

The project will consolidate all squadron operations and support functions into a single 19,668 m² facility – housing nine CH-148 Cyclone helicopters, accommodating all operational and maintenance support spaces and equipment, as well as 350 personnel.

In addition to the new building, the project also includes the construction of an exterior aircraft apron capable of parking up to five Cyclone helicopters, a taxiway linking the parking apron to the runway, an aircraft wash area and re-fuelling cabinet, a parking area for up to 300 vehicles, a guard house with security barriers, and a perimeter security fence. The project will also involve the demolition of at least one existing building.

The infrastructure is required to be in place and operational in time for the delivery of the nine Cyclone helicopters scheduled to arrive in the spring of 2014. The Department of National Defence (DND) is aiming to complete construction by the winter of 2014.

DND holds a large number of properties across the country to support the Canadian Forces – including approximately 21,000 buildings, 2.25 million hectares of land, 5,500 km of roads, and 3,000 km of water, storm, and sewer pipes.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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