May 2, 2019 - Halifax, Nova Scotia - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
As outlined in Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, our government is investing in modern, functional, and green defence infrastructure to support the evolving needs of our military.
Today, the Honourable Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan participated in a stone-breaking ceremony to mark the start of the west wall reconstruction at the historic North Park Armoury in Halifax. He was joined by Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism. Valued at $130 million, this project represents an important investment in Reserve infrastructure in the Halifax area, and is expected to create approximately 400 jobs during the rehabilitation.
This project will rehabilitate the structure of the North Park Armoury, which was damaged during the Halifax Explosion in 1917. Interior renovations will also help to modernize operational capabilities for Reserve units operating out of the armoury. Work for this project is ongoing, and is expected to be completed by 2026.
Quick facts
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Originally built in 1899, the North Park Armoury is one of the largest and most prominent landmarks in the Halifax area, having sheltered residents in the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion in 1917.
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The North Park Armoury is a federally-designated heritage building and a National Historic Site of Canada. Rehabilitation work will protect and enhance its key heritage features, and use original stones where possible. Irreparable stones will be replaced by stone from the same geological source used to build the armoury from 1895 to1899.
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The North Park Armoury is home to the Princess Louise Fusiliers, one Army cadet corps, and future home of the Halifax Rifles (Royal Canadian Armoured Corps).
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A contract valued at $9.1 million was awarded to Maxim Construction Inc. of Dartmouth, N.S., for the phase one reconstruction of the west wall of the armoury. Phase two renovation work is expected to begin in early 2021, and will see the restoration of the remaining three exterior walls, the renovation of the drill hall roof, and interior renovations which will meet the requirements of the Canadian Army Reserve units that use the building.
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Upgrades to the armoury's interior will be designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver standards, and will incorporate energy efficiency measures to reduce its environmental footprint.
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As outlined in Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, green infrastructure will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Department's buildings and non-military vehicles by 40 percent (from 2005 levels) by 2030, and support the new federal emissions reduction target of 80 percent by 2050.
