Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction is underway on a new Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) facility at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Bagotville, Quebec.
The project is expected to cost $120 million and will create more than 600 jobs in the region. The facility is expected to be completed in 2027. The design and construction contract has been awarded to Pomerleau Inc of Lévis, Que.
Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members will use the site to posture and deploy Canada’s incoming fleet of CF-35A fighter jets in a flight-ready state in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) operations.
“This investment in Bagotville will enable our personnel at the base to plan, posture, and deploy our new fleet of CF-35A fighters rapidly and effectively. Today’s milestone is a clear sign of Canada’s commitment to modernizing our NORAD infrastructure and capabilities in support of the continental defence mission. In close collaboration with our American allies, our government will continue to make the necessary investments to protect North America as our continent faces new security challenges,” said Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence.
The new 25,000 square foot QRA facility will include aircraft hangar bays, office space and sleeping quarters for personnel, and a 17,000 m2 secure fenced compound surrounding the facility. Once completed, it will help CAF personnel support Canada and the NORAD mission and quickly respond to any threats in North American airspace.
The project is the most significant upgrade to Canada’s NORAD capabilities in almost four decades and is part of Canada’s $38.6 billion NORAD Modernization Plan announced in June 2022 to upgrade fighter infrastructure and NORAD QRA capabilities at bases across the country.
“For decades, NORAD has ensured the defence of North American aerospace. Today, we are reaffirming our commitment to this unique binational command, and investing in new infrastructure so that Canadian Armed Forces members can effectively deploy fifth-generation fighter jets in support of NORAD’s mission,” said Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence. “Our government will continue to invest in new military infrastructure that supports the combat power of the Canadian Armed Forces.”