Major Expansion Planned for 17 Wing at CFB Winnipeg

📅 2 weeks ago

17 Wing at CFB Winnipeg is set to undergo a significant expansion, enhancing operational readiness and creating numerous job opportunities in the region.

The 17 Wing, situated at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Winnipeg, is preparing for an expansive transformation, marking its largest growth phase in decades. According to Kened Sadiku, a spokesman from the Department of National Defence (DND), the upcoming expansion aims to bolster training infrastructure and operational capabilities while providing enhanced services and modern facilities for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel and their families. Advocates for this development point out that it is expected to attract hundreds of new employees and their families to the base, located just 10 kilometers west of downtown Winnipeg, and is anticipated to generate millions of dollars in construction projects.
The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) is currently monitoring 33 projects planned at 17 Wing, encompassing a diverse array of initiatives including new constructions, engineering projects, renovations, alterations, and heavy civil work. A notable project in the pipeline is the Future Air Crew Training program (FAcT), which is set to establish a new training facility at CFB Winnipeg. This initiative is classified as a military new construction project and has a projected value of $100 million, with its location specified as 715 Wihuri Rd, Winnipeg. As of July 27, 2026, the project remains in its pre-construction phase.
Harrison Ruess, a spokesperson for SkyAlyne, the Ottawa-based firm managing the construction of the new facility, shared insights on the project. "There will be a new combined hangar, training and simulator centre," he noted. This facility will feature dedicated spaces for aircraft parking, classrooms, learning areas, offices, and ground-based simulators. While the design phase is currently underway, construction is slated to commence in 2027 and will extend over several years.
As the project gears up for construction, Ruess emphasized the importance of connecting with EllisDon, the primary subcontractor responsible for the infrastructure work. Interested contractors will need to adhere to specific security protocols, which vary based on the nature of the work. Darryl Harrison, president and CEO of WCA, explained that contractors must pass security assessments and that individual workers might also require security clearances.
Given the limited number of military projects in Manitoba, the WCA is optimistic about the prospects for local contractors. Harrison highlighted that Manitoba firms have a track record of successfully executing complex projects across various sectors, including institutional, healthcare, aviation, defense, industrial, and infrastructure. He expressed hope that procurement processes will favor qualified local firms, advocating for transparency and timely communication to attract strong competition and ensure value for taxpayers.
Capt. Ken Jacobson, a spokesman for 17 Wing, stated that all contracting opportunities from the DND will be advertised through the Government of Canada procurement systems, including MERX and CanadaBuys. Tender postings will detail bid requirements, evaluation criteria, and any necessary security clearances associated with specific contracts. Additionally, Defence Construction Canada has made an Advance Procurement Notice available for CFB Winnipeg, which firms can reference while seeking the required security clearances.
Situated in CentrePort Canada, a tri-modal inland port, 17 Wing Winnipeg is also poised to benefit from further development in the area. Carly Edmundson, president and CEO of CentrePort Canada, revealed plans for a 500-acre residential development in CentrePort South, which is expected to accommodate between 8,000 and 10,000 residents. This development aims to address the growing housing demand and support the influx of new employees and families associated with the expansion of 17 Wing.
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham characterized the expansion of 17 Wing as a significant economic opportunity for the city. He noted that in the short term, it will lead to substantial construction activity and create opportunities for local contractors, skilled tradespeople, and suppliers. Over the long term, the influx of military and civilian personnel will drive demand for housing and local business services. Gillingham also pointed out that the expansion will enhance Winnipeg's already robust aerospace and defense sector and may attract additional private investment in the airport and CentrePort region.
Estimates suggest that the expansion could generate between 800 and 1,400 new jobs, representing a considerable boost to one of Canada’s key air force bases. The Manitoba government is playing a supportive role in this initiative by enhancing the base’s power supply with an additional 10.5 megawatts. This upgrade is essential for maintaining ongoing operations, including airfield management, communications, security, and emergency response, all driven by the energy demands of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and mission-critical operations.

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