News Release

Contract awarded to renovate historic Stone Frigate dormitory at the Royal Military College in Kingston

NR-03.005 - January 22, 2003

"This project is an important step in ensuring appropriate accommodations and the best possible learning environment for RMC cadets," said Minister McCallum. "It also exemplifies the federal government's commitment to preserving Canada's heritage for future generations."

"This renovation will provide RMC with the additional housing it needs to continue producing the future leaders of the Canadian Forces," said General Henault. "RMC continues to demonstrate the important relationship between defence and academics."

The Stone Frigate was built in 1820 to serve as a naval storehouse. It was converted into a dormitory, dining facility and classrooms when RMC was established in 1876. Since then, it has been renovated many times, most recently in the mid-1960s. It now needs to be brought up to current RMC dormitory standards, as well as the latest National Building Code.

The project will involve repairing the existing building structure, constructing a new annex and replacing all building systems, including environmental controls, plumbing, electrical, data, lighting and fire safety systems. It will also entail reconfiguring cadet rooms, creating more suitable storage and lounge facilities, and improving washroom and laundry facilities. The project, which will create or maintain about 100 jobs, is expected to be complete by August 2003.

"This renovation will preserve the important historic features of the dormitory, while also providing more suitable accommodations for cadets attending RMC," said the Honourable Peter Milliken, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands. "The project is good news for the Canadian Forces and the local economy."

Funding for this project was provided for in a previous federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. This initiative is an example of how the government is prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars.

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For more information, please contact:

Media Liaison Office
Department of National Defence
(613) 996-2353

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