Military building projects get boost with fed funds

By Yvette d'Entremont - The Weekly News
Projects at 12 Wing Shearwater and in Bedford are among the beneficiaries of federal infrastructure funding announced for the Halifax region early last week.
During a March 17 news conference held in Shearwater, Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay said the local projects are worth more than $18 million. While under construction, they are expected to generate more than 70 direct employment opportunities.
The investment announcement included significant renovations recently completed on 18 military housing units at 12 Wing Shearwater. Blunden Construction Ltd. was awarded the contract through a competitive bid process and began working on that $4.6 million project in February 2008. Renovations included upgrading mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, increasing the liveable floor area, adding a bedroom, and new kitchens and bathrooms.
"Today's announcement demonstrates this government's commitment to providing our Canadian Forces with the infrastructure they need," MacKay said in a news release.
"Be it a home for the families of our military members, or accommodations for our Military Police units - these significant investments in Canadian Forces infrastructure have and will contribute to the economy of this community."
The 100 combined regular force and reservist military police members working with 3 Military Police Unit in HRM operate out of a strip mall along Sackville's First Lake Drive. That unit will benefit from a $13.5 million armoury in Bedford that will serve as its headquarters. Although details aren't yet ironed out, construction of the facility is expected to start within two years in Bedford.
"The facility we're in right now is good. It's just that it's in a residential area and people don't necessarily appreciate compounds with green military trucks and barbed wire," explained Major Vic Ethier, commanding officer of 3 Military Police Unit.
ydentremont@hfxnews.ca