As outlined in Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, our government is providing modern, green, and efficient facilities to support the training and well-being of Canadian Armed Forces members and their families.
Today, on behalf of the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, Jean Rioux, Member of Parliament for Saint-Jean, highlighted the start of construction of a new sports centre at the Saint-Jean Garrison.
Valued at $47.4 million, this project is expected to generate around 200 jobs during the construction period and will provide economic development opportunities for local businesses.
This project includes the construction of a modern 10,200-m² sports centre, as well as renovations to existing facilities, to support the physical fitness and mental health of Canadian Armed Forces recruits and Garrison personnel. Once completed, this larger and more environmentally-friendly facility will replace existing fitness facilities and better support the physical training requirements of an increasing number of recruits at the Garrison.
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"By ensuring Canadian Armed Forces members have green, modern facilities in which they can train well into the future, we are continuing to support the growth of Canada's military. Infrastructure projects like this are critical investments in the future of a strong and engaged Canadian Armed Forces, and this sports centre will ensure that our new recruits are well trained for the challenges of tomorrow."
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
"This project is a great investment in the Saint-Jean Garrison and the surrounding community. I am proud that we are helping provide good, middle-class jobs to the region and environmentally efficient infrastructure for our recruits."
The Honourable Jean Rioux, Member of Parliament for Saint-Jean
Quick facts
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Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, provides for an increase in the Regular Force of 3,500 to a total force of 71,500 members. The new Saint-Jean Garrison sports centre will ensure the Canadian Armed Forces is well placed to provide modern, world-class training to new recruits.
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The Canadian Armed Forces has enrolled more than 27,000 new recruits over the last five years.
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The Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School provides basic training in both official languages for all officers and non-commissioned members joining the Regular Force, and offers a number of professional development programs.
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The $27.7-million construction contract for the Saint-Jean sports centre was awarded to Groupe Geyser Inc. of Laval, Que., in February 2019. Work is expected to be completed in summer 2021.
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The new Saint-Jean Garrison sports centre is designed to meet LEED® Silver standards. The facility will include a number of innovative, green infrastructure features, such as electric car charging stations, smart meters to optimize water and energy consumption, and reflective roofing and exterior surfaces to lower the urban heat island effect.
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As stated in Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, greening defence infrastructure will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the department's buildings and non-military vehicles by 40 percent from 2005 levels by 2030.
