Construction has officially commenced for the new 21 Electronic Warfare Regiment facility at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Kingston, with a design contract awarded to Coulbourne & Kemble Architects Inc. of Kingston. This marks a significant step forward in enhancing the capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces, as the $98-million, 8,350 square meter facility will serve as a consolidated and secure space for various units currently dispersed across CFB Kingston.
The new facility, designed to be a two-story multipurpose structure, will feature a range of modern amenities, including classrooms, administrative offices, and specialized spaces for military operations. It will also house various military vehicles, including those related to the Logistics Vehicle Modernization program, as well as light and heavy trucks, the Electronic Warfare, Mobile Repair Team, and Maintenance Recovery Vehicle variants of the Armored Combat Support Vehicle. The facility will be equipped with maintenance bays to ensure the upkeep of these essential vehicles and equipment.
The design and construction of the facility will adhere to the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero-Carbon Building Performance Standards, aiming to minimize its environmental footprint. This includes incorporating high-efficiency heating and cooling systems and integrating onsite solar power generation to reduce the building’s electrical demand, making the facility both eco-friendly and energy-efficient.
The 21 Electronic Warfare Regiment plays a critical role in supporting Canadian Armed Forces operations, providing both reserve and regular force members who specialize in tactical electronic warfare. Their responsibilities range from intercepting and analyzing foreign communications to maintaining complex communications infrastructure such as radio, satellite, and broadband technology.
The construction of the new facility is expected to create approximately 150 local jobs, providing a boost to the region’s economy. Once completed, the facility is anticipated to become operational in 2028, significantly enhancing the capacity and operational readiness of the 21 Electronic Warfare Regiment while ensuring a modern, secure, and environmentally sustainable space for its personnel.