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Belmont Park housing to be upgraded, expanded

Federal announcement part of deal to improve drydock facility at CFB Esquimalt

Belmont Park is getting a $2.8-million facelift, thanks to an infusion of federal funds.

John Duncan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, announced at CFB Esquimalt last week that part of a $17.8-million infrastructure investment is earmarked for the construction of new residential units and the renovation of some existing ones in Belmont Park, which houses military personnel in Colwood.

The majority of the funding will go toward repairing and extending one of two dry dock caissons, large watertight gates used to seal the dry dock at the naval base. The work will extend the caisson and modernize its electrical and mechanical components, which is essential to ensure the fleet’s operational readiness.

Some of the funding will be used to upgrade physical security throughout the facilities at CFB Esquimalt, which is home to the Pacific Naval Fleet.

“This local investment is a clear example of the government’s commitment to provide top-notch facilities for our men and women in uniform across Canada,” Duncan said.

“The dry dock project will ensure the future operational readiness of the vital HMC Dockyard and upgrades to housing will enhance living conditions for those who live there.”

The funding is part of $452 million received by the Department of National Defence for the repair and upgrade of Canadian Armed Forces facilities to create jobs and renew infrastructure across Canada, announced in November 2014.

The federal government estimates that the accelerated investments will create more than 10,000 jobs in communities across the country by 2016.

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