Industry reps invited to get an eye – and a hand – on Greenwood infrastructure work
If infrastructure planners for forecasted work at 14 Wing Greenwood in the next few years have their way, they’d put every one of 100-plus contractors attending an April 22 “industry connect” event to work.
Defence Construction Canada invited regional contractors registered on the federal suppliers database to the afternoon presentation, complete with partner information and display tables. DCC, Canadian Forces Housing Agency and Real Property Operations representatives shared the how-tos of getting a piece of approximately $900 million of design, management, construction and maintenance contracts as 14 Wing Greenwood expands with new aircraft, structures and personnel.
“We are super happy to have you here,” 14 Wing Greenwood Commander Colonel Luc Vachon said in opening remarks. “What’s happening in Greenwood is huge.”
With ever-changing international conditions, the Canadian Armed Forces’ security posture is also changing. That means investment, “incoming to Greenwood.” Vachon recounted the arrival of four CC295 Kingfishers earlier this year, and outlined continuing CH149 Cormorant upgrades and the arrival over the next couple of years of the CP8A Poseidon replacement for the CP140 Aurora and the remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) Guardians.
“And that’s just talking about airplanes,” Vachon said. “24/ 7, we have long range patrol, search and rescue, NORAD patrols – and we’re extremely happy with all that’s coming in aircraft, but it also means additional people to support that: 630 more positions, with their families, coming in. My biggest concern is operations, but delays in building for that, in everything that needs to be done, is a risk in us providing what we need to for the Government of Canada.”
Vachon outlined the support the wing will need to ready itself, from new hangars, training facilities, security upgrades, runway expansions, support facilities and equipment; to the impact of growth on local housing, health care services and education.
A home and all its build and reno work, but by the millions
Canadian Forces Housing Agency Greenwood manager Annik Deschenes said Greenwood’s 563 Residential Housing Units, in two- to five-bedroom single, semi-detached and row house configurations; will see $15 million of work in 2026/ 2027, plus $1.5 million in recapitalization improvements. This includes exterior and interior retrofits, new roofs, new garages and sheds, new decks and fences, new floors and doors, new concrete walkways and more. CFHA will spend $3.6 million on maintenance and service contracts, including responsive repairs and grass cutting, snow removal and pest control. A $95 million project will see 208 new units, in six five-storey apartment buildings, consisting of one and two bedroom units; potentially ready by 2030.
Contractors may be considered for work on any level of the annual and future CFHA projects list, from full builds to single-item maintenance and repair services, through MERX, CFHA bids issued to local companies, or as awarded through Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
Building already underway, more on immediate horizon
Major Jay Foster is the officer commanding for Real Property Operations Greenwood, the organization that looks after all property maintenance and construction for 14 Wing Greenwood, through its own personnel or with the help of DCC contractor oversight. The next few years will see over $870 million worth of work happening at 14 Wing.
Already this year, the $135 Million RPAS hangar and a $34 million refueling tender garage have started construction, there’s a siting analysis underway for the P8s’ new $435 million hangar, and the P8s’ $75 million training facility is in the design phase. By the end of 2026, another $20 million in two projects – relocating the QRA (quick reaction area) gates and installing a solar micro grid – will be underway. Another $155 million-plus of design and construction related to runway extension, apron repair and interim upgrades to hangers 10, 11 and 12 also comes with the arrival of the P8s.
In 2027, work to upgrade water lines within the RHUs ($3 million), replace the 14 Wing main gate bridge ($6.5 million) and develop a new corridor for utilities ($3.4 million) will come on stream.
And, looking ahead to 2028, RP Ops expects to be managing a new entrance to 14 Wing from Highway 1 in Kingston, and over the Annapolis River ($19.1 million); and two projects to increase power capacity ($22 million total).
There will be demolition work as old buildings come down, preventative maintenance work on everything, continuing services for the Middleton and Yarmouth armouries, the Barrington radar site and 5th Canadian Division Support Group Detachment Aldershot; and an anticipated $25 million annually in as yet unadvertised projects.
“It’s not too late if any of these have been awarded: there is lots of opportunity to get involved in the major projects, or the other, not as ‘flashy’ work,” Foster said. “We’re forecasting all of these – five years is what we’re planning for – and there will be more we don’t even know of.
“There’s work to be had.”
Navigating military worksites: security planning musts
Andrew Peddle is the Greenwood DCC site manager. He closed the presentation with “some clarity” on the “robust” industrial security program that will be required of almost all contracting partners.
“Depending on the security requirements for any one particular tender opportunity,” he said, “not planning for security clearances, and the time and obligations to work through the DND security program; would be a mistake.”
There are a number of checklists and how-to documents for contractors to navigate security requirements for their workers, many of which may be started in advance, through the tender process and through the work period.
Working to make investment happen
Greenwood DCC coordinator of contract services Corey McLean says their office’s only goal is to “procure contracts that support the Department of National Defence’s infrastructure mandate.
“Advanced notice for CFHA’s and RP Ops’ projects are all consolidated into one list, with security requirements clearly marked, and we contract all types of infrastructure, from routine maintenance to complex bids, from architecture to engineering contracts – anything.”
DCC had a “doing business with DCC” display table set up among the event’s partner and information tables, and McLean encouraged contractors to come see staff to ask questions about source lists of required forms, checklists, ongoing project postings and more.
“There are opportunities in Greenwood, larger and smaller, inside the DND program and outside, for larger corporations to smaller outfits looking to grow their business. Apply at any time. Keep your eyes peeled for projects coming up. It’s good to have the opportunities here.”
Getting to work in Greenwood
As 14 Wing Greenwood starts a multi-million dollar infrastructure modernization, there are work opportunities for hangars, runways, housing, military training spaces, water and electrical grid systems – and more; along with multiple requirements for ongoing service and maintenance providers.
Contractors interested in working with 14 Wing’s Defence Construction Canada and Real Property Operations departments should register with the MERX platform (https://www.merx.com/). Interested contractors should watch for APNs – advanced procurement notices: contractors will complete a process to be Industrial Security Program credentialed, required in advance of submitting a bit.
Greenwood projects may be found with a MERX search for AR26SLGW (contract values less than $10 million) and GW26SL02 (low complexity contracts less than $500,000). Greenwood-based professional, architectural and engineering service opportunities will be found at GW26QR01 in the near future. Major capital projects, particularly those associated with the incoming P8, will have their own codes.
There is a recorded April 16 industry information session related to Canadian Forces Housing Agency projects, including 208 new Residential Housing Units planned for Greenwood, at https://www.dcc-cdc.gc.ca/industry/info-session
All 14 Wing work is open to the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business, ensuring a minimum five per cent of the total value of contracts are held by Indigenous businesses.
Procurement Assistance Canada has an Atlantic resource office in Halifax, which helps small- and medium-sized businesses register and work with government. Find out more at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-services-procurement/services/acquisitions/support-for-businesses/get-assistance/regional-offices.html
Defence Construction Canada has information at https://www.dcc-cdc.gc.ca/; click on “Contact” to find the Atlantic region office.
