4 Wing cuts the ribbon on updated housing

Families living at 4 Wing Cold Lake have some new living quarters to look forward to.

Last week, CFB Cold Lake Commander Col. Eric Kenny cut the ribbon on a multi-million dollar military housing project that saw the construction and renovation of close to 100 units on the local air force base. Over the past year, the Government of Canada invested $8 million into the upgrades as part of their national commitment to improving housing for Canadian Armed Forces personnel.

"Improvements and additions to Cold Lake's residential housing are greatly appreciated. They directly contribute to the quality of life of our Canadian Armed Forces members and their families," said Kenny.

The funds went towards several key projects on 4 Wing, including the construction of 12 new residential housing units, and whole-house renovation of an additional 12 units. The renovations covered the replacement of all electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, kitchen and bathroom renovations, and redesigned interior layouts that aim to improve functionality.

Exterior retrofits were also completed on 71 residential housing units, which could include the replacement of windows, doors, and siding, as well as insulation upgrades.

An additional $8 million is planned for continued upgrades this year. At 4 Wing Cold Lake they will be completing more similar housing projects, including the construction of new apartment buildings.

"The Government of Canada is committed to providing safe and suitable military housing to ensure Canadian Armed Forces members and their families can thrive," said federal Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan. "Suitable housing contributes to a positive quality of life for those who serve and protect our country. It is crucial that the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families have our support in all that they do."

According to the Canadian Forces Housing Authority's 2015 report, the base in Cold Lake has the largest number of housing units in pacific/western Canada with 854.

Across the country, they are third to only Petawawa and Gagetown.

In total, the Canadian Armed Forces has about 12,300 housing units in 31 locations, being utilized by about 15 to 20 per cent of military personnel.