The federal government wants to tear down the abandoned Winnipeg military base Kapyong Barracks after years of legal disputes with First Nations and spending millions of dollars to maintain the site.
Homeowners in Tuxedo on streets surrounding the barracks, located at the corner of Kenaston Boulevard and Grant Avenue, have received letters from the Department of National Defence (DND) letting them know about demolition plans for the building.
Demolition would include removing buildings, roadways, parking lots, and hydro, gas and water infrastructure.
“Demolition activities would involve proper handling and disposal of all hazardous materials, as well as the recycling of all building materials where possible,” the letter reads.
The 64-hectare parcel of land has long been a source of tension between the City of Winnipeg, First Nations and the federal government for more than a decade.
The 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, used to occupy the space, but relocated to CFB Shilo near Brandon, Man., in 2004. It has sat empty since.
In 2007, the federal Treasury Board tried to sell the site to Crown corporation Canada Lands Co. to take over re-development and resale of the land.
Treaty One First Nations disputed the deal, and in 2009, Justice Douglas Campbell ruled the transfer illegitimate, siding with First Nations who claimed they weren’t adequately consulted.
Treaty One First Nation chiefs continued with negotiations in court over the years but they have had differences in opinion over how best to proceed with the land-claim deal.
The Department of National Defence wants to start the projected multi-year tear down of buildings on the site in 2017 and is inviting homeowners in the area to voice any concerns they have about the demolition.
The department plans to conduct an environmental assessment before that happens to determine “potential adverse environmental effects” of the project.
“The results of the determination will not only indicate whether significant adverse environmental effects are likely to occur as a result of the project, but enable DND to determine if the project should be allowed to proceed as proposed or if additional mitigation measures and/or follow-up will be required,” the letter reads.