Construction is officially underway at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton for a large-scale infrastructure project to support Canada’s new Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) initiative.
On Monday, July 7, 2025, National Defence Minister David McGuinty joined military and community leaders to break ground on the $850 million project. The upgrades are being made to accommodate the incoming CC-330 Husky aircraft, which will replace the aging CC-150 Polaris fleet used for strategic airlift, refuelling and medical evacuation.
“This project delivers on our commitment to equip our Armed Forces while creating good jobs and supporting local economies,” McGuinty said.
The construction will unfold in phases, beginning with resurfacing runways, taxiways, and aprons, and continuing through 2026. Additional upgrades include a two-bay hangar, fuel depot, training centre, and ramp extension. All major work is expected to be completed by 2033.
Colonel Andy Bowser, Commander of 8 Wing/CFB Trenton, expressed appreciation for the continued support of the Quinte West community during the transformation.
“This is a key step in modernising our air mobility operations,” Bowser said.
The project is expected to generate up to 1,000 jobs in the Trenton and Belleville region. It forms part of a $3.6 billion contract with Airbus and a broader $38.6 billion NORAD modernization plan announced in 2022.
To learn more, visit Canada.ca/defence.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
