The new High Mobility Rocket Systems (HIMARS) due in CFB Shilo “as early as 2029” is the centrifugal force for the much-anticipated growth at the Westman military installation over the next 10 years, Base Commander Lieutenant Colonel (LCol) Jack Nguyen told a room of attendees at a Shilo Business Luncheon on June 26.

More than 50 contractors, business enterprises and VIP guests heard about the Army modernization plan and how the HIMARS landing at the Base will increase business, population, and contractor opportunities in the Westman region.

“It’s the longest capable weapon system that we have in the Canadian Army, and it is coming here to Canadian Forces Base Shilo. It’s great to be able to say that out loud,” Base Commander LCol Nguyen said of the deal inked in May.

“We’ve been talking about it for about a year now, and it’s recently been announced here, so we’re looking forward to it … it’s a centrepiece around a lot of the growth here at CFB Shilo.”

Guests heard that the Canadian Army purchased 26 of the long-range missile systems with a range of 500 kilometres. CFB Shilo was chosen as the home for the systems due to its excellent training grounds and secure airspace.

The end results of the HIMARS Shilo location and what it will look like are still being worked on, he said.

“When you switch from guns to missiles, there’s a lot of work to be done.”

It was explained to luncheon attendees that the current M777 Howitzers, which have a “close-range” of 28 kms, will remain at the Westman Army Base under a re-established 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1RCHA).

“… We still need close support artillery, and so the army will regenerate a new unit with a new artillery capability system. That system is still in its infancy in terms of what they’re going to acquire.”

The HIMARS will then be assigned to a new rocket regiment due to its long-range capabilities.

“The military base provides a significant regional economic benefit based on salary, local procurement, and contracted services,” LCol Nguyen said, addressing the expansion needs to accommodate the HIMARS.

The ammunition compound currently has a 99 per cent delivery rate for its training units and is at capacity. Located across the highway from the main garrison, it has its challenges and needs to grow, he said, adding it will be a significant boon to the local economy and the operational forces. The 40,000-hectare training area is capable of small arms, armoured fighting vehicle ranges, indirect fire, and has high-use facilities for dry and live maneuver training.

With a current CAF member population of 1,300, the base is forecast to increase by another 1,031 over the next decade.

The $84 million new housing project announced in February and a $250 million new ammunition compound are among the top projects driving growth, along with infrastructure upgrades, enhancements to training areas and support facilities, and a new ice rink and upgraded kitchens.

Lieutenant-Colonel Nguyen explained to attendees that the semi-rural location of CFB Shilo can pose challenges for attracting new residents, given a 35-minute commute to major grocery stores and amenities in Brandon, when people are accustomed to larger centres such as Edmonton or Montreal.

A five-year business plan is currently being drafted, he told contractors, which provides ample time for industry to place bids through the MERX electronic bidding system. It is an advantage for contractors to obtain security clearance as soon as possible in the process, as the systems can take some length of time.

“Together we want to make this Canada’s premier training Base to empower the Canadian Army through agile, adaptive, and responsive support, while investing in community and family growth,” he said. “…We want to show people how great it is to live here and how we are family-focused. We can enable you, and once people get here, they never want to leave.