Auditors find Canadian Military bases falling apart

The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — National Defence auditors have found that many of Canada's military bases are literally falling apart because of chronic underspending on maintenance and repairs.

The Liberal budget in March set aside more than $200 million over two years to fix armouries, aircraft hangars, naval jetties and military housing across the country.

But that money won't address the problems identified by the auditors, which deal with the basic utilities needed to operate military facilities, such as electrical and heating systems, drinking water and sewer systems and even roads.

Complicating matters is the fact the bases themselves often have little to no information on the state of those systems, in part because of poor record-keeping but also because infrastructure is not checked on a regular basis.

As a result, the department doesn't actually know how many hundreds of millions of dollars — if not billions — it will cost to repair or replace all of the decrepit infrastructure, more than half of which has already exceeded its 50-year life expectancy.

The auditors say the risk of service disruptions at military bases will increase as long as the problems aren't addressed.

Minister Sajjan announces investment in defence infrastructure at CFB Goose Bay

DND Press Release

As part of the Government’s commitment to ensure that Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel have the support they need, including safe and modern facilities in which to work and train, Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan today announced a $12 million investment for 5 Wing Goose Bay to improve critical infrastructure.

This investment in 5 Wing Goose Bay will permit the upgrade of the airfield through the replacement of ramps which have reached their life expectancy. These ramps are essential for NORAD flying operations. A site survey will be carried out this year and work will be completed in 2018.

“This announcement underscores the Government’s commitment to empower the Canadian Armed Forces with the resources they need to successfully carry out their missions — protecting Canadians’ interests, now and in the future. This investment will ensure our military has the right infrastructure to effectively defend Canada and North America. The local community will also benefit from the economic opportunities this project will provide.” - Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister

As announced in Budget 2016, the Government of Canada will invest $200 million in infrastructure at CAF bases and other defence properties across Canada. The investments will allow the repair of airfields, hangars, live-fire ranges, jetties, armouries and military housing, as well as improvements to Northern infrastructure.

Through this investment, 5 Wing Goose Bay will replace the ramps located east of Hangars 7 and 8.
Sustained improvements to military infrastructure are necessary to provide the women and men of the CAF with the facilities they need to train and operate successfully, well into the future.

These infrastructure projects provide economic opportunities for local communities, which help to create new jobs and opportunities for businesses across the country.