May 13, 2009

Military Infrastructure

Ottawa ready to invest in two infrastructure projects for 17 Wing Winnipeg

RICHARD GILBERT

staff writer

Canadian forces aircrews will get a much needed gust of wind under their wings as a result of federal government spending on airfield infrastructure, as well as facilities for survival and medical training.

The federal government is investing $6 million in two major infrastructure projects for 17 Wing Winnipeg, which is comprised of three air force squadrons and six schools, including the Canadian Forces School of Survival and Aeromedical Training (CFSSAT).

The two projects are the reconstruction of the south east apron on the airfield and the construction of an extension to the training facility.

“The reconstruction of the south east apron project will rebuild approximately 13,215 m2 of the south east apron,” said Laura McIntyre, National Defence communications advisor.

The project has been tendered and the contract was awarded in April to Borland Construction for $2,861,647.

Construction started recently.

McIntyre said the existing apron was built in 1980 and has since undergone several repairs and re-sealing.

The reconstruction will ensure continued operational readiness in support of Wing flying operations.

CFSSAT provides basic and advanced Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape training and Aeromedical training to all Canadian Forces aircrews, but the school requires additional space to meet mandated training requirements.

The tender hasn’t been posted for the training building extension project.

“Construction will be contracted through Defence Construction Canada through an open, fair and transparent competition process,” she maintained.

The CFSSAT Building Extension project will renovate and reconfigure an existing building to maximize the use of space.

It will also include building an addition to the facility to accommodate eight staff work stations, two offices, a storage room and a new classroom.

Construction is expected to begin this summer.

“Aligning with the Canada First Defence Strategy, replacing infrastructure will help produce a first-class, modern military that is ready to take on the challenges of the 21st century,” said McIntyre.

The training facility was created through the amalgamation of the Canadian Forces Survival Training School and Canadian Forces School of Aeromedical Training from CFB Edmonton, as well as two Aeromedical Training units from 426 Squadron (8 Wing Trenton) and 404 Squadron (14 Wing Greenwood) in 1996.

“CFB Winnipeg is home to some of the best pilots, air navigators and multi-skilled air force personnel in the world,” said Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway.

“Updating and replacing defence infrastructure helps produce a first-class, modern military.”

The facility provides basic and advanced survival, evasion, resistance and escape training and aeromedical training to all Canadian Forces aircrew.

Students who receive aeromedical training are taught to deal with the physiological effects of altitude. A reduction in oxygen causes impairment of the mind and body, which leads to unconsciousness and eventually death.

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