DND AWARDS CONTRACT TO RENOVATE HISTORIC RIDOUT ROW HOUSES 

KINGSTON (Ont.) - The Honourable John McCallum, Minister of National Defence, and General Raymond Henault, Chief of the Defence Staff, announced today the award of a $6.09 million construction contract to renovate two historic row houses located at CFB Kingston. The eight-unit row houses will be turned into office and conference room space for use by the Canadian Defence Academy (CDA). The contract was awarded to Maple Engineering and Construction Ltd. of Kingston, Ontario, following a competitive bidding process.

“High quality education and professional development are essential and integral to ensuring the viability of the Canadian Forces and maintaining the security of Canada,” said Minister McCallum. “The renovation of these housing units will allow the CDA to carry out its mandate - to centralize and co-ordinate the various research and learning programs essential to maintaining Canada’s high standards in the profession of arms - in functional surroundings.”

“Having the CDA occupy office space near the Royal Military College campus will allow the CDA to draw upon proven subject matter expertise resident in the RMC Continuing Studies division,” said General Henault. “This will enhance the development, definition, delivery and management of officer and non-commissioned member professional development programs.”

The project will see two mirror-image, 1908 row houses, each originally consisting of eight housing units, upgraded to current building standards while preserving important heritage features. The courtyard between the buildings will be enclosed and the buildings will be renovated to include office spaces, conference rooms, seminar rooms and support spaces to accommodate the CDA, the Leadership Institute and the Canadian Military Journal, among other organizations. 

“I congratulate Maple Engineering and Construction Ltd. on having been awarded the contract. CFB Kingston is an important part of the local community, and any enhancement at the base leads to benefits for the local economy,” said the Honourable Peter Milliken, MP for Kingston and the Islands. 

Construction is expected to be completed in January 2004. Approximately 85 jobs will be created for the duration of the project. 

Funding for this project was provided in this year’s federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. The project is an example of how this government is prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars. 

For more information, please contact: 

Media Liaison Office

Department of National Defence

(613) 996-2353

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