This week, the Canadian Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair announced that CFB Esquimalt will be getting a “480-room accommodation facility” For Canadian Armed Forces members.
Thus far, the project has only just entered the design phase.
The new building will be 31,700 metres squared and is meant for those coming into the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as junior members. This facility will be able to provide the fresh recruits with modern and functional infrastructure as they train and prepare.
This will also provide CFB Esquimalt the opportunity to consolidate several functions and resources currently spread out across the base.
“Canadian Armed Forces members stand ready to defend Canada every day. Wherever they are posted, service members should not have to worry about finding a suitable home,” said Blair.
“This new housing facility at CFB Esquimalt will provide state-of-the-art accommodations for 480 Armed Forces members – giving them a modern place to live while training.”
In addition to the 480 single occupancy rooms, the modern high rise will also feature administrative areas, a dining area and galley capable of serving 700 people, a mess that can support 400 people, postal services, coffee shops and more.
According to the Canadian government, the total cost is estimated at $165 million—for both design and construction.
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The design contract was awarded to London, Ontario-based Ellis Don Corporation for $10.1 million.
Once in the building phase, this project is estimated to create or sustain almost 900 jobs, however construction isn’t expected to begin until 2026, with completion projected for the early 2030s.
Once the project is completed, a current accommodation facility, the Nelles Block, will be demolished.
