After a few weeks of planning and prepping for Syrian refugees to move in, Canadian Forces Base Borden has returned to regular operations.
"Based upon an Immigration Refugee Citizen Canada (IRCC) assessment regarding the need for temporary housing, they have determined that the two CAF high-readiness ILS at CFBs Kingston and Valcartier, with a combined capacity of approximately 3,000 bed spaces, provide sufficient capacity should they be required," said Rob Bungay,
"As such, preparations at Borden, Meaford, Petawawa and Trenton have ceased."
The Canadian Armed Forces continues working closely with the IRCC and the Canadian Red Cross to ensure the two remaining facilities meet all requirements set by government partners, he added.
For over two months, Borden staff carried out agreed-upon preparations for the potential housing of refugees at the base.
"This involved winterizing accommodations such as insulating floors and walls, and acquiring items that would make a temporary stay at the base more comfortable during the winter – such as heating systems, back-up generators, and other incidentals," Bungay said.
"Many of these upgrades are specific to winter usage."
The cost associated with the upgrades is not yet known.
"At this time it would be premature and inaccurate to provide information associated with the costs for the Interim Lodging Site at CFB Borden as they are still being calculated," Bungay said.
"Once the process of fully tabulating the cost is complete, the information will be available."
