Stantec to design fighter jet infrastructure in Quebec, Alberta
July 27, 2021
By CCE
The design-build project involves a partnership with EllisDon.
Canada’s legacy fleet of CF-18 fighter aircraft is set to be replaced. Photo courtesy RCAF.
The federal government has awarded contracts for new fighter jet infrastructure in Quebec and Alberta to Stantec, in partnership with EllisDon Construction. The design-build work is part of the Future Fighter Capability Project, which will replace Canada’s legacy fleet of CF-18 fighter aircraft (example pictured).
The facilities will support operations and maintenance for the Department of National Defence (DND) and Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF’s) new fighter jets. They include 3 Wing Bagotville, Que.—where the design and construction partnership will also include EBC and Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes—and 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alta. The companies will provide architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, civil, sustainability and other professional engineering services for the two projects.
“It is an honour to lead the design of this infrastructure,” says Elisa Brandts, managing senior principal with Stantec. “These projects support the expansion of Canada’s air force capabilities and RCAF fighter operations.”
The Cold Lake fighter squadron facility (FSF), at more than 40,000 m2, will host two tactical fighter squadrons (TFSs), an operational training unit (OTU) and their support facilities. The Bagotville FSF, at more than 30,000 m2, will also host two TFSs. Both locations will facilitate daily operations, aircraft maintenance, administration, mission planning and simulator training.
“We are excited to work with Stantec as our design-build partners,” says Chris Lane, Edmonton area manager for EllisDon. “Our collective project experience and local teams have established a strong foundation for continuing our successful partnership with Defence Construction Canada (DCC) and DND.”
Both facilities will be designed and constructed to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standard and use energy-efficient options wherever possible. Construction is expected to begin at both bases next summer.
Photo courtesy Saab.
Photo courtesy Lockheed Martin.
Contenders to replace the CF-18 include the Saab Gripen E (top), Lockheed 35 (middle) and Boeing FA-18 (bottom). Photo courtesy Boeing.
