Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government has awarded a contract for the design of a new electronic warfare facility at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Kingston to Colbourne & Kembel Architects Inc..
The $98-million project includes an 8,350 square-metre, two-story multipurpose building and will enhance the Canadian Armed Forces’ (CAF) electronic warfare capabilities and support local employment.
Once completed, the facility will foster greater collaboration between the regiment’s squadrons, providing the necessary infrastructure to support more efficient operations. Approximately 150 jobs will be created during the construction phase, benefiting the local economy.
“We are investing in both the Canadian Armed Forces and local workers,” said Defence Minister Bill Blair. “This new facility will modernize our infrastructure, enhance our electronic warfare capabilities, and ensure the success of our personnel in operations at home and abroad.”
Designed with sustainability in mind, the building will meet the Canadian Green Building Council Zero-Carbon Building Performance Standards. It will feature high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, along with on-site solar power generation to reduce the building’s carbon footprint. These environmentally conscious features will support the federal government’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
In addition to classrooms and administrative spaces for training and operations, the new facility will house various military vehicles, including Logistics Vehicle Modernization platforms and Armoured Combat Support Vehicle variants. Maintenance bays will be equipped to conduct first-line maintenance, ensuring the regiment’s equipment remains mission-ready for decades.
Set to open in 2028, the new facility will strengthen the CAF’s ability to support both domestic and international electronic warfare missions. The 21 EW Regt, which includes both Reserve and Regular Force members, plays a critical role in intercepting foreign communications, managing communications technology, and supporting reconnaissance and surveillance efforts.
This project underscores Canada’s commitment to advancing military capabilities while also investing in regional job creation and sustainability.
The new facility represents a major step forward for both the CAF and the local community, providing state-of-the-art infrastructure that will support military operations while promoting sustainability and regional economic growth.
