The Government of Canada has awarded a major contract for infrastructure upgrades to ensure that the Canadian Coast Guard is equipped with the modern and energy-efficient facilities it needs to train the men and women who keep Canada’s waterways and coastlines safe.
A $53.6 million (HST included) contract was awarded to Joneljim Concrete Construction (1994) Limited to replace the mechanical and sprinkler systems at the Canadian Coast Guard College located in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney–Victoria made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility, and the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
“Canadians can be confident that the Canadian Coast Guard College ensures the men and women of the Coast Guard are well prepared for their important work in keeping our waters and coasts safe,” said the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard. “This investment is a tangible example of how our government is taking action on climate change, creating good jobs for the middle class, and growing the economy.”
The work will include the installation of state-of-the-art heat pump technology that will use ocean water from Sydney Harbour to provide heating and cooling to the entire campus. This new system is expected to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions at the College by approximately 20 per cent each year. It is also expected to reduce the College’s annual operating costs by 25 per cent.
The project will include the replacement of the dry sprinkler system in the residence complex and boat house to ensure that cadets and staff have a safe learning and working environment.
“Public Services and Procurement Canada is proud to play a key role in providing the Canadian Coast Guard with modern, efficient and safe facilities to train its members,” said Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility. “By investing in green technology at the Canadian Coast Guard College, our government is reducing its carbon footprint, while reducing operating costs.”
This multi-year project is expected to create and sustain between 60 and 80 well-paying jobs over the course of the project in Cape Breton. Following consultations with local Indigenous groups, it was decided that the contract must provide meaningful employment and training opportunities for Indigenous Peoples.
“This project will create good employment opportunities for the tradespeople and others in our communities, and will provide meaningful opportunities for local Indigenous Peoples,” said the Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney–Victoria. “Through this investment, we continue to grow the economy in Nova Scotia while ensuring that the Canadian Coast Guard College remains a modern facility for many years to come.”
Work is expected to conclude in 2023. Activities will be planned with the intent to minimize disruptions to the operations at the College.
