Cameron Nikoliation, team leader for DCC programs at CFB Shilo, explains to construction professionals and contractors how the Base’s long-term expansion projects have grown from $10s of millions to $100s of millions, at a seminar in Brandon on Sept. 17. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media
A new ammunition compound, training area, building 200 residential units, hospital renovations, extensive infrastructure and sanitary system upgrades, and new well-water services are all part of the long-term CFB Shilo construction and expansion plan, explained to construction industry professionals in Brandon on Sept. 17.
The list continues with more than 65 roofing replacements, road construction, a new ice rink, snow removal contracts, generator replacements, electrical and street lighting, land drainage, asphalt, landscaping, and demolition with hazardous materials abatement and site work.
Defence Construction Canada (DCC) and staff from CFB Shilo brought together more than 100 construction industry professionals for a panel-format symposium to share information on upcoming expansion projects planned for the Westman military facility.
Initiated in 1951, DCC is lesser-known among the 47 government-run Crown corporations. It is a defence procurement specialist with 37 sites and 1,600 employees across Canada. It is established as a client-partner with the Department of National Defence, delivering some of Canada’s most challenging and innovative infrastructure and environment projects.
Cameron Nikoliation, team leader of programs for DCC at the Base, said the development growth is exciting for Shilo, the Military and for DCC.
“It is exciting for Canadians … the message coming through from our organization and the Military is that this is supporting our [nation’s] sovereignty.”
Contractors heard about completed, current, and upcoming projects at the military base, spurred by the much-anticipated arrival of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the new unit of soldiers needed to staff the artillery.
CFB Shilo Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel J.P. Nguyen told Shilo Stag News that 1st Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1RCHA) will convert to a new HIMARS unit and that their current building will house the rocket systems. As such, a new howitzer system will be implemented, with a new unit standing up to be housed in an upcoming construction build of a 20,000-sq. meter facility.
Nikoliation told attendees the expansion and projects are opportunities that encourage local industry participation. He said everyone has heard the news of NATO investments in Military and upcoming work on Bases across the country, so this is stimulating for Shilo.
“It was not that long ago the news wasn’t good for Shilo. So what we want to get across is that we’ve got a nice list of projects here. We are talking about going from $10s of millions to $100s of millions. There are some massive projects coming.”
He advised industry participants that the development will put stress on the industry as these projects are happening across the country. However, there is a place for all types and sizes of contractors and industry participants, starting in the design phases, studies, professional services, subcontractors, service contractors, and goods suppliers.
“It’s about finding those opportunities, finding those partners to work with on these large projects, and finding a way to be a participant,” he said, stressing the importance of utilizing local industry participants.
A team of panellists from CFB Shilo Real Property Operations Unit (RPOU), the Base Command Team, and staff from Defence Construction Canada (DCC) address more than 100 construction industry professionals about upcoming expansion projects and contracts, at a seminar in Brandon on Sept. 17. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)
