12 projects bolstering Canada’s military defence

Canada’s Department of National Defence is in the midst of one of the largest infrastructure pushes in its history, driven by NORAD modernization, Arctic sovereignty, the arrival of new fighter and tanker fleets, and the Royal Canadian Navy’s long-term recapitalization. Across the country, billions of dollars in military construction is either underway, advancing through design, or moving toward procurement. Here are the biggest current defence construction projects to watch.

Dwyer Hill Training Centre Redevelopment — Ottawa, Ont. | Approx. $1.4B

One of the largest and most sensitive projects in DND’s portfolio, the Dwyer Hill redevelopment will replace and recapitalize facilities at the home of Joint Task Force 2. National Defence has described it as a 10-year, $1.4-billion project involving roughly 98,111 square metres of new construction and more than 7,000 square metres of recapitalized space, tailored to the high-readiness requirements of Canada’s elite special operations forces.

Northern Operational Support Hubs and Northern Basing Upgrades — Inuvik, Yellowknife, Iqaluit and beyond

Canada is expanding its defence footprint in the North through two overlapping efforts: the new Northern Operational Support Hubs network and broader NORAD-related northern basing upgrades. DND has identified hub locations including Inuvik, Yellowknife and Iqaluit, while also advancing northern basing infrastructure tied to NORAD modernization. Recent federal defence documents also point to a much broader northern network that includes additional locations such as Resolute and Whitehorse, alongside infrastructure upgrades at northern forward operating locations.

Defence of Canada Fighter Infrastructure — Bagotville, Que., and Cold Lake, Alta. | Part of a $7.3B infrastructure program

Canada’s incoming CF-35A fleet is driving one of the most consequential aviation infrastructure programs in the country. DND says the Defence of Canada Fighter Infrastructure project will modernize and build new facilities at Bagotville and Cold Lake, while also supporting upgrades at forward operating locations. Recent government reporting says design work is underway on key elements, with permanent fighter squadron facilities progressing as part of the broader buildout needed before the first aircraft arrive.

NORAD Quick Reaction Alert Facility — CFB Bagotville, Que. | $120M

A key early piece of the fighter infrastructure rollout, the new NORAD Quick Reaction Alert facility at Bagotville is already under construction. DND says the project includes a 7,400-square-metre facility with aircraft hangar bays, office space and sleeping quarters, all within a 17,000-square-metre secure compound designed to keep aircraft and crews ready for rapid NORAD response missions.

Strategic Tanker Transport Capability Infrastructure — CFB Trenton, Ont. | $850M

CFB Trenton is undergoing a major upgrade to support the incoming CC-330 Husky fleet. Ottawa announced an $850-million infrastructure investment in 2025, and DND’s 2026-27 planning documents say the work includes runway resurfacing, new hangars, training facilities and fuel depots to accommodate up to seven aircraft. That makes Trenton one of the most significant active military construction sites in the country.

Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft Infrastructure — Greenwood, N.S., and Comox, B.C.

The replacement of the CP-140 Aurora fleet with the P-8A-based Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft is also bringing new infrastructure work to Greenwood and Comox. DND’s current capital project reporting says the program includes associated infrastructure at both bases, along with training devices, simulators and support systems required to field the new aircraft.

Combatant Training and Integration Centre — Halifax, N.S. | About $191M

At Halifax, DND is continuing design and construction of the Combatant Training and Integration Centre, a high-tech facility intended to prepare crews for Canada’s future River-class Destroyers. National Defence has recently pegged the project at about $191 million and says it will house advanced training systems needed to support the Royal Canadian Navy’s transition to its new surface combatant fleet.

A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project — Esquimalt, B.C. | $1.1B

One of the country’s largest active naval infrastructure projects, the A/B Jetty recapitalization at CFB Esquimalt is replacing aging jetty infrastructure with modern steel-and-concrete facilities capable of supporting current and future Royal Canadian Navy vessels. DND has described it as an ongoing $1.1-billion project, with work in 2025-26 including completion of B Jetty and the start of A Jetty construction.

21 Electronic Warfare Regiment Facility — CFB Kingston, Ont. | $98M

Construction is now underway on a new secure home for 21 Electronic Warfare Regiment at CFB Kingston. Announced in January 2025, the two-storey, 8,350-square-metre building will consolidate units into one compound with classrooms, administrative space and support areas. DND says the project is expected to be operational in 2028 and will strengthen the Canadian Army’s electronic warfare capabilities.

1st Canadian Rangers Patrol Group / Joint Task Force (North) Facility — Yellowknife, N.W.T. | Approx. $136M

Ground was broken in 2024 on a new 9,200-square-metre headquarters and support facility in Yellowknife for 1st Canadian Rangers Patrol Group and elements of Joint Task Force (North). The project includes office and classroom space, a drill-hall-style assembly area, vehicle maintenance space and warehousing, reinforcing Yellowknife’s role as a key permanent defence hub in the North.

Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar Project — Multiple sites | Part of NORAD modernization

While not a conventional base-building project, Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar is one of the most important defence infrastructure developments now advancing in Canada. DND announced site-selection progress in July 2025, calling it a major milestone in the broader NORAD modernization plan. As the system moves ahead, it will drive a new wave of defence-related construction and site development tied to long-range Arctic surveillance.

Junior Non-Commissioned Members Accommodation and Training Facility — CFB Esquimalt, B.C. | $165M

Also in Esquimalt, DND has awarded the contract for a new 31,700-square-metre facility for junior non-commissioned members. The project will deliver about 480 single-occupancy rooms along with dining, administrative and support spaces, giving the navy a modern training and accommodations complex as personnel numbers grow and older facilities age out.