Government awards contract for fighter jet infrastructure in Bagotville

Above image: A CF-188 Hornet pilot prepares his aircraft to depart from Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Bagotville to take part in Operation IMPACT on October 23, 2014. Photo: LS Alex Roy, 3 Wing, Bagotville. Courtesy CAF.

Today, Harjit S. Sajjan, minister of national defence, announced a $12.1 million contract award to EllisDon-EBC Inc. Joint Venture of Ottawa to design a new fighter jet facility at 3 Wing Bagotville, one of two main operating bases for Canada’s future fighter aircraft.

“Modern infrastructure is a critical step to remaining operationally ready for the future, and this project is another guarantee that we will continue protecting Canadian sovereignty while standing with NORAD and NATO, today and tomorrow. We are well on our way to constructing the modern facilities we need to house our future fighter fleet,” advised Sajjan.

In the press release, the Government of Canada noted it is providing Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel with the infrastructure they require to support their future operations.

This infrastructure, along with the facilities being built at 4 Wing Cold Lake, will support the long-term maintenance and operation of 88 new aircraft being procured for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) through the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP).

By awarding these infrastructure design contracts now, before the future fighter is selected, necessary work can proceed, and bases will be ready for the first aircraft deliveries.

Anita Vandenbeld, parliamentary secretary to the minister of national defence stated, “By investing in infrastructure for the future fighter aircraft and the Canadian Armed Forces, the government is also investing in the Bagotville community.”

This contract is an important milestone in preparing Bagotville for the future fighter, and delivering the infrastructure aviators will need. Both the Cold Lake and Bagotville infrastructure projects will provide significant economic opportunities for the Canadian construction industry, as well as their respective communities, noted the press release.

Approximately 900 jobs could be created during the design and construction of both facilities.

The Bagotville facility will host two tactical fighter squadrons and cover approximately 12,500 m2, providing space for daily operations, maintenance, administration, missions planning, and simulator training.

Both the Bagotville and Cold Lake design contracts will include options for the contractors to build the new facilities and any additional infrastructure once the future fighter is selected, should Canada decide to exercise these follow-on options.

These facilities will be designed and constructed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver standards and will use energy-efficient options wherever possible.

Construction is expected to begin at both bases in summer 2022.