Mishall RehmanImage Source Anita Anand on Twitter.
The Dwyer Hill Training Centre, home of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) elite Joint Task Force 2, will receive a $1.4 billion upgrade in the coming years.
A ten-year project, the Training Centre will see more than 100,000 m2 of additional space created to meet the needs of Joint Task Force 2.
Delivering Tools and Training
“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. 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,” announced the Minister of National Defence Anita Annand on March 21.
The construction management contract was awarded to EllisDon Corporation of Mississauga, Ontario.
Modern facilities and Reduced Emissions
Under the project, Dwyer Hill Training Centre will receive 23 new facilities to replace 89 “aging and temporary structures.” Additionally, seven buildings will be renovated, and the site’s utilities will be upgraded, according to the Department of National Defence.
The modernly designed buildings will provide JTF2 with “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 DND.
“The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command is pleased to see this infrastructure project moving forward. 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,” said MGen. Steve Boivin, Commander, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command.
DND has promised that the new facilities will be net-zero-ready and meet Two Green Globes energy and environmental design standards. The project also seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the federal target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Job Creation
The project should create approximately 2,000 jobs, according to DND. This means that between 250 to 300 people will be working on-site at a given time.
Overall, the project will include more than 150 sub-contracts to support local and smaller contractors. Additionally, DND has promised five per cent of the value of all contracts will be awarded to Indigenous businesses.
About JTF2
JTF 2 is an elite unit of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. Established in 1993, the unit provides “high-level capabilities that protect Canadians from security threats both at home and abroad,” states DND.
The unit’s training and operations will continue at Dwyer Hill during the construction.
Training Centre History
The training centre was initially planned to be built near CFB Trenton. Back in 2007, the Conservative Government bought land north of the base, expropriating a 90-hectare farm from a farmer. However, in 2020 the Liberal Government decided to keep the centre close to Ottawa.
