The Department of National Defence (DND) has the largest infrastructure portfolio in the federal government. Effectively managing these assets, and transferring or selling properties we no longer require, are key to providing our Canadian Armed Forces members with the modern and green infrastructure they need.
As part of ongoing consultations with Indigenous groups and other interested parties about our former military housing site in the Sainte-Foy area of Québec City, Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan, today announced plans to sell a parcel of the property to the province of Quebec. Nearly one hectare will go to the Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur for the construction of a new high school.
Consultations continue with all interested parties on possible future plans for the rest of the property (about 11 hectares). These discussions will help us make an informed decision that provides the greatest benefit to all community members.
Quotes
"It's great to see this former Defence site transformed into a new high school in Québec City. It will help support the local economy by creating economic opportunities for local businesses during the COVID-19 recovery. We are continuing discussions with Indigenous groups and other interested parties to make an informed decision regarding the rest of the property."
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
"The divestment of this property will support an important project in our community and help create construction jobs. I am pleased to see this project move forward and look forward to future announcements for this area."
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, President of the Treasury Board, and Member of Parliament for Québec, Quebec
"Our government is pleased to support the government of Quebec and the Central Québec School Board with this land transfer. Their important project will support education for Anglophones in the area, many of whom are from military families posted in the community."
Joël Lightbound, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert, Québec
"Today's announcement confirms the location of a future school in the heart of the Jean-Talon area. Without a doubt, the transfer of this land will allow us to provide education in an optimal setting for our secondary students."
Joëlle Boutin, Member for Jean-Talon, National Assembly of Quebec
Quick facts
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The transfer to the province (0.98 hectare of land) is expected in spring 2022, so it can build an English high school within the next few years, which will support the linguistic minority community in the region.
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About 0.29 hectare of land was also sold to the City of Québec to support its roadwork along Boulevard Hochelaga. The city's work will improve traffic flow and public transportation, and make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
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These municipal and provincial projects are expected to create jobs during the construction phase and provide economic opportunities for businesses in the region.
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In 2016, DND consolidated military housing in the Valcartier area. As a result, the former Sainte-Foy military housing site was vacated in 2017. The housing units on the site were beyond economic repair and demolished in fall 2018 to prepare the land for future use.
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DND kept 2.06 hectares of the original 14.32-hectare site for the construction of the new Sainte-Foy armoury, which opened in 2018.
