Garrison Petawawa has welcomed the community back for an in-person business luncheon. The event was held on Thursday, November 24th, and the theme was “Strengthening Communities Together”. Those who attended had the opportunity to chat with soldiers, learn about different equipment and get updated on a number of ongoing and recently completed projects.
Garrison Petawawa says two major buildings representing $130-million dollar investment to the Garrison have been completed in the last year including an $85-million complex for the Royal Canadian Dragoons and the new $45-million Integrated Health Care Facility. Garrison Petawawa has also spent $25-million on upgrades to buildings to make them more energy efficient and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Representatives from the Garrison say there are a number of ongoing projects that will see continued investments into the Mattawa Plains, improved access to the Garrison, a new range and training area facilities and upgrades to the south townsite.
Deputy Commander of 4th Canadian Division Support Group, Lieutenant-Colonel Enno Kerckhoff, says they will also be extending posting season over several months from May to August adding it’s not sustainable to have everyone move at once. Kerckhoff says this means during the spring and summer, there will be more people in the area spending money at hotels, finding vehicles and buying or selling homes. The Deputy Commander says the goal is to have families settled into their new homes before the start of the school year in September.
In terms of economic impact to the region, Garrison Petawawa says they spend $32-million a month ($384-million annually) on employee pay for members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence. There are also a number of opportunities for civilians and contractors to get involved with work on the base.
Garrison Petawawa has roughly 7,000 personnel including regular force, reserves and civilians.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)