DND $1.4 Billion Dwyer Hill Upgrade To Create Several Hundred Local Jobs
The Department of National Defence has announced a $1.4 billion infrastructure project to upgrade the Joint Task Force (JTF 2) special operations forces’ facilities at the Dwyer Hill Training Centre. The project will create several hundred jobs in the South Carleton area.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, Tues., March 21.
Created in 1993, JTF 2 is an extremely high-readiness and precise special operations forces unit. JTF 2 protects Canadian national interests and combats terrorism and threats to Canadians at home and abroad, and is based at the Dwyer Hill Training Centre at Dwyer Hill Road and Franktown Road, just west of Munster.
“Our Special Forces personnel risk their lives to keep Canadians safe – and we are dedicated to delivering them the tools and training that they need to stay ready,” said Minister Anand. “This project will more than double the unit’s current work and training spaces with modern, green facilities and create considerable economic opportunities for local businesses and workers in the National Capital Region. Whether at home or abroad, our Special Forces make incredible sacrifices to defend Canada, and we thank them for their service to our country.”
The investment secures the future of the JTF 2 facilities in South Carleton after years of local uncertainty that the JTF 2 training centre would be relocated to Trenton.
“The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command is pleased to see this infrastructure project moving forward,” said Major-General Steve Boivin, Commander, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. “An upgraded and modern purpose-built training centre ensures our members remain prepared to support Canada’s efforts to respond to a range of complex threats now, and in the future.”
The 10-year construction project will provide more than 100,000 m2 of purpose-built space to meet JTF 2’s long-term growth, training, and high-readiness operational needs. The work includes replacing 89 aging and temporary structures with 23 new facilities; renovating seven buildings; and upgrading the site’s utilities.
Approximately 2,000 jobs will be created throughout the project, with as many as 250 to 300 people working on-site during peak construction periods. Construction is set to begin in May 2023. The unit’s training and operations will continue on-site while this work is underway.
This project will include more than 150 sub-contracts to provide greater opportunities for local and smaller contractors to bid on work. The construction management contract was awarded to EllisDon Corporation of Mississauga, Ontario, which will tender all sub-contracts and oversee construction work.
Five percent of the value of all contracts are targeted for award to Indigenous businesses to create economic benefits for Indigenous Peoples.
The new facilities will be net-zero ready and built to meet Two Green Globes energy and environmental design standards. This project will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from Defence buildings to meet the federal target of net-zero emissions by 2050. New or renovated buildings will include modern office, operations and technical shop spaces, as well as new range, training, warehouse, medical, accommodations, access control, kitchen, mess, ammunition, equipment and vehicle storage facilities.
According to the Department of National Defence, this investment demonstrates their commitment to providing Canadian Armed Forces personnel with modern, green, and functional infrastructure in which to work and train. As outlined in Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, investments in critical infrastructure enhance military capabilities while helping reduce the government’s carbon footprint.
The Department of National Defence announced a $1.4 billion investment into the Dwyer Hill Training Centre for the JTF 2 special operations forces.
