OTTAWA SPENT $6M UPGRADING MILITARY BASES FOR REFUGEES WHO DIDN’T END UP STAYING THERE.
Bases readied, but facilities were not needed
OTTAWA• The federal government spent millions of dollars renovating buildings at several military bases in case they were needed to house Syrian refugees, but none of the newcomers have had to use the facilities.
New information quietly tabled in Parliament last week shows the federal government spent more than $6 million and moved hundreds of personnel at six military bases in Ontario and Quebec in preparation for the influx of refugees who arrived in Canada between November and February.
Several buildings were renovated and winterized, making them ready to serve as interim housing for up to 6,159 Syrian refugees. However, the more than 25,000 refugees who arrived have all found other accommodation.
The improvements on the bases included new furnaces, security cameras, and kitchen and washroom upgrades, the restoration of running water and many other renovations. Some of the upgrades were planned, but expedited to help with refugee resettlement.
However, as of Feb. 29 — by which time the promised 25,000th Syrian refugee had landed in Canada — the interim lodging facilities had not been used. Department of National Defence officials say the facilities have been “stood down” and won’t be needed in the coming months.
About 380 military personnel were moved into different living accommodations temporarily to make way for the refugees, in case the space was needed.
As part of Operation Provision, the Forces’ operation to support the federal government’s resettlement efforts, the military renovated facilities at Canadian Forces bases at Kingston, Borden, Trenton, Meaford and Petawawa in Ontario, as well as Valcartier, Que.
About $ 2.64 million was spent on renovations and winterization projects at CFB Borden, about 100 kilometres north of Toronto.
Those improvements included insulating concrete floors and laying down rubber matting, heating upgrades for washrooms and shelters, installing security cameras in key locations “looking outward to enhance base security at the request of Military Police,” and amending snow, ice and garbage service contracts to absorb additional usage, among other changes.
The upgrades would have accommodated a maximum 1,500 refugees at CFB Borden, according to government data.
Another $ 2.82 million was spent at CFB Valcartier, near Quebec City, on already approved projects, winterizing 10 buildings, building 31 small units and electrical upgrades. A maximum 2,139 refugees would have been stationed at the base.
The government spent $ 400,000 at CFB Kingston, which could have accommodated 693 refugees; approximately $257,000 at CFB Trenton, for up to 992 refugees; and $ 255,000 at CFB Meaford, near Owen Sound, Ont., to accommodate a maximum 500 refugees.
No upgrades were needed at CFB Petawawa, about 170 km northwest of Ottawa, which could have accommodated 335 refugees.
To prepare for the potential arrival of refugees, 370 forces and Defence Department personnel were moved into temporary living accommodations at CFB Kingston, and another 10 at Valcartier were relocated.
There were 231 troops and other personnel deployed overseas to Lebanon (144 deployed initially), Jordan (84) and Turkey ( three) to help facilitate the resettlement of Syrian refugees in Canada.
Had the refugees needed to stay on the bases, more than 962 troops and other military personnel would have been required on the bases, according to the documents tabled.
Immigration Minister John McCallum recently said that the refugee effort will cost taxpayers a little more than $700 million.
THE EFFORT WILL COST TAXPAYERS MORE THAN $700 MILLION.