Defence construction:
Building the infrastructure that strengthens Canada’s Security
A Strategic Partner for Canadian Sovereignty
At Pomerleau, we actively contribute to Canada’s sovereignty by delivering essential infrastructure for the Canadian Armed Forces, private contractors, and their partners. Every project is designed to meet the highest standards of durability, confidentiality, and performance. Our role goes beyond construction: we create solutions that support the modernization of military capabilities and national security.
Navigating the Challenges of a Sector in Transformation
A Rapidly Growing Market
Canada is investing billions in modernizing military and defence infrastructure. These projects are more than construction sites: they represent a long-term commitment to national security and the readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces for decades to come.
Defence projects cover a wide range of strategic infrastructure: naval facilities, aircraft hangars, drone zones, training simulators, maintenance centres, cybersecurity and customs facilities, as well as equipment for armoured vehicles and submarines. These projects are critical to supporting military operations and safeguarding national security.
Major Economic Impact
Defence projects have a significant impact on Canada’s economy. Today, up to 40% of the workforce and procurement in certain federal departments are defence-oriented, directly influencing GDP and driving regional development. These investments create specialized jobs and strengthen industrial capacity across multiple provinces.
A Collaborative and Secure Approach with Our Clients and Partners
The success of a defence or military project hinges on close coordination with our clients, military engineers, and contractors. Initial planning is typically handled by our clients, while Pomerleau focuses on constructability, cost control, and on-time delivery, leveraging its pan-Canadian experience. Partners are selected based on their performance and regional expertise, ensuring execution tailored to each context.
Mastering logistical and confidentiality challenges in defence projects
Unique security requirements
The construction of defence infrastructure imposes far stricter security standards than civilian or commercial projects. Each construction site requires high security codes, secure areas and rooms within buildings, and sometimes Secret or Top Secret clearances for personnel. These constraints shape the design and execution of projects, ensuring the protection of sensitive information.
Enhanced Durability and Adaptability
Military construction demands exceptional durability and extreme sensitivity to security. Military bases operate as autonomous federal entities, with their own rules and no municipal regulations. This reality necessitates heightened adaptability, a key expertise for navigating these complex environments.
Aligning Military Standards with Civil Regulations
Our in-house experts ensure that military requirements are aligned with Canadian civil and environmental regulations, while also integrating complex projects related to cybersecurity, customs, and critical infrastructure. This coordination is essential to meet federal standards and ensure compliance in security-priority environments.
Each military base operates as an autonomous federal entity with its own rules, requiring specialized expertise and an understanding of local realities. We must also address the distinct needs of the three branches of the armed forces, army, air force, and navy, and manage a variety of projects, from aircraft hangars to command centers.
Thanks to our certifications, proven know-how, and experience in sensitive environments, Pomerleau is fully equipped to tackle these complex challenges. We deliver strategic infrastructure that meets the highest standards of security, durability, and performance.
Expertise and innovation at the service of Defence
Recognized Expertise in Marine Works
Pomerleau possesses extensive experience in the execution of marine and port projects, essential know-how for meeting strategic military needs. Our teams work on complex infrastructures such as quays, jetties, and port facilities, integrating innovative solutions to ensure the durability and performance of the structures. This expertise allows us to support naval operations and contribute to the modernization of naval bases.
Major Achievements in Military Construction
Our commitment to the defence sector is reflected in landmark projects, including the modernization of Canadian Armed Forces bases and the reconstruction of military armouries. These projects showcase our ability to deliver strategic infrastructure in highly secure environments, balancing military requirements, logistical constraints, and tight deadlines. With advanced technologies and pan-Canadian expertise, we directly contribute to the readiness and resilience of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Innovations for Performance and Sustainability
To optimize quality and speed, we integrate cutting-edge technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), digital twins, and prefabrication. These tools enable precise planning, risk reduction, and improved stakeholder coordination. We also apply sustainable practices, aiming for LEED certification and designing long-lasting infrastructure to meet client expectations while supporting environmental goals.
Discover our Work in Defence
Over the past few years, Pomerleau has contributed to strategic projects that strengthen national security and modernize Canadian military infrastructure. From the refurbishment of Pier B at the Esquimalt Naval Base to the reconstruction of the Quebec City Armoury, including the air traffic control tower at CFB Greenwood and the facilities of the Signal Squadron, our teams have demonstrated their expertise in highly secure environments.
These achievements demonstrate our ability to deliver complex projects, whether they involve marine, aeronautical, or command centre infrastructure.
Let’s Talk About Your Strategic Project
At Pomerleau, we offer proven expertise in military construction and marine works, the ability to manage complex and sensitive projects, and a collaborative approach with the Department of National Defence, our clients, military engineers, and our partners. Our certified and authorized teams work in highly secure environments, integrating innovative technologies and sustainable practices to deliver strategic infrastructure that meets the highest standards.
Ready to build the future of defence infrastructure? Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how we can turn your ambitions into concrete achievements.
