Representatives from Garrison Petawawa provided an overview of upcoming operations and what can be expected from the military base over the coming year. The theme of the virtual business luncheon hosted by Garrison Petawawa on Thursday, March 10th, 2022, was We Stand Together.
Presentations were made from Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Chief Wendy Jocko, Renfrew County Warden Debbie Robinson, Pembroke Mayor Mike LeMay and Petawawa Deputy Mayor Gary Serviss.
Colonel John Vass, the Commander of the 4th Canadian Division Support Group at Garrison Petawawa, says as people in Ukraine do everything to defend their homes and families, it reinforces how fortunate we are to be Canadians.
Vass says priorities for Garrison Petawawa include culture change, protecting the force and standing together. He talked about creating a safe, respectful, harassment free and inclusive workplace.
Garrison Petawawa employs 6,000 uniformed members of the Canadian Armed Forces with another 1,000 civilian employees and a monthly payroll of $32-million ($384-million a year).
COVID-19 update at Garrison Petawawa
Vass says they are aligning with provincial COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions and have removed proof of vaccination requirements at the rink, gym and eating facilities.
He noted 97 percent of the members at Garrison Petawawa have received the COVID-19 vaccine.
The military commander says masking requirements will remain in place until federal protocols change. Ontario is set to drop mask mandates in most settings by March 21st, 2022.
Vass also talked about the impact COVID-19 has had on posting season. He says posting season has been extended from April or May into September or October instead of the normal shortened period in the summer.
Infrastructure update at Garrison Petawawa
In terms of infrastructure on base, Vass says the Royal Canadian Dragoons just moved into a new $85-million building in the fall.
Work continues on a $45-million integrated health care facility that is expected to be complete in April.
Vass also talked about the benefits to the community from the $350-million project for the Canadian Special Operations Regiment.
A number of smaller projects are underway at Garrison Petawawa including underground facilities on the north side, new shoot houses, another helicopter squadron building, and $25-million in building upgrades to become more energy efficient.
Vass says many local contractors may not know they can take advantage of some of the work taking place on base. He encourages anyone with questions to reach out and says you will be connected with the appropriate people.
More information is also available online at buyandsell.gc.ca
Military operations update for Garrison Petawawa
2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Lieutenant-Colonel and Commanding Officer of the Royal Canadian Dragoons at Garrison Petawawa, Enno Kerckhoff, talked about operational readiness, force protection and community connection. Kerckhoff says this is his fourth posting to Petawawa and he’s looking forward to reinforcing ties on the garrison and in the community.
Kerckhoff says July 1st, 2022, Garrison Petawawa is transitioning to the contingency phase. The commanding officer says Petawawa just came out of the committed phase where large groups of troops were deployed over in the Ukraine and Latvia between 2020 and 2021.
As Garrison Petawawa enters the contingency phase this summer, Kerckhoff says they will be doing some lower level training closer to home over the next year. He expects large numbers of troops from Garrison Petawawa will be deployed overseas in the spring of 2023 as they move back into the committed phase.
Colonel Vass also mentioned during the business luncheon that Kerckhoff will replace the garrison deputy commander this summer and stay in Petawawa a while longer.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Over $500-million in work planned or recently completed at Garrison Petawawa
Military units from Garrison Petawawa not currently deployed in the Ukraine
