June 15, 2022 – Sherbrooke, Quebec – Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, Minister Anand announced the launch of public consultations on a way forward to support Primary Reserve infrastructure in Sherbrooke. This activity will seek to meet the operational needs of the four reserve units in Sherbrooke, while also honouring the heritage of the two armouries located on Bélvédère and William streets.
As indicated by Minister Sajjan in May 2021, the Colonel Gaétan-Côté Armoury on Bélvédère Street is currently in renovations in order to accommodate Sherbrooke’s reservists as soon as possible. Minister Sajjan also took the opportunity at that time, to recognize the historic importance of the William Street Armoury for the local community. This recognition is equally important for Minister Anand, as well as the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces.
Following a rigorous study on the infrastructure requirements of the Primary Reserve, as well as the current state of reserve infrastructure in Sherbrooke, a working concept has been developed for the future of reserve infrastructure in Sherbrooke. This analysis took into particular consideration the advanced structural degradation of the William St. Armoury, which can no longer meet the operational needs of our reservists.
This concept being presented to the community and to local stakeholders comprises several elements that will guide discussion, including the renovation and modernization of the Colonel Gaétan-Côté Armoury on Rue Bélvédère and the future of the William St. Armoury.
The Department is seeking feedback from local stakeholders and the public on this concept over the coming weeks. Members of the public who wish to provide feedback can e-mail us at: [email protected].
The deadline for participation is August 1st.
Local Member of Parliament Ms. Élisabeth Brière, as well as the Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead, the Honourable Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, encourage anyone who wishes to participate in this discussion on the future of Sherbrooke’s reserve unit infrastructure, as well as the heritage value of the armouries in downtown Sherbrooke, to communicate with the Department, or with them. These consultations will also permit interested persons to learn more about how modern infrastructure is critical to ensuring the Canadian Armed Forces can fulfill its important roles at home and abroad.
This feedback process will take place over the coming weeks and months, and will inform the final decision on how to provide the reservists of Sherbrooke with facilities that will support their modern operational and training needs.
"As with all our reserve units, Sherbrooke’s reservists are vital to the future of the Canadian Armed Forces; their location in our communities builds connections that are key to recruitment and responding to emergencies. With these consultations, we want to help determine what infrastructure they will need to operate effectively, while recognizing the historical and heritage importance the existing buildings to the people of the region. We are committed to ensuring that our Reserve Force is well trained, well equipped, and well prepared for operations at home and abroad."
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence
"Located near two universities and three colleges, the Sherbrooke Armouries contribute to the recruitment and outreach activities of the Canadian Armed Forces. It is important to preserve the heritage of the existing buildings, while providing our reservists with a suitable work environment that allows them to prepare for emergencies and conflicts.
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead
"We remain committed to recognizing the heritage value of our armouries for the people of Sherbrooke, while ensuring that the operational needs of the four reserve units are met. I am delighted with the launch of these public consultations, which represent a new step forward in this file.”
Élisabeth Brière, Member of Parliament for Sherbrooke
The two existing armouries in Sherbrooke have been closed following our review into the health and safety of these units. Sherbrooke’s reservists are currently housed on Woodward Street, where important work is underway to ensure they can operate in excellent conditions.
The Colonel-Gaétan-Côté Armoury is the normal home of Les Fusiliers de Sherbrooke and the 35th Signals Regiment. It also typically accommodates the Fusiliers’ Regimental Museum, as well as local units of the Cadet program – one of the most important youth programs operated by the Government of Canada.
The William Street Armoury accommodates the Sherbrooke Hussars and the 52e Ambulance de campagne.
Sherbrooke’s Reserve units are part of the 2nd Canadian Division’s 35th Canadian Brigade Group.
The Government of Canada’s divestment process ensures efficient, fair, and transparent transaction, while considering the interest of the local communities, other levels of government, and fulfilling legal obligations with respect to Indigenous groups. This process requires that the federal government first engage in various activities to ensure that interested parties are provided with sufficient information to make an informed decision when property is declared surplus. These activities generally include, but are not limited to; legal risk analysis on the title, updating land surveys, assessing a property’s environment and physical conditions, and engaging in Indigenous consultation. After these initial requirements are fulfilled, a federal surplus property would then be offered simultaneously, in the following order of priority, to federal entities, the provincial government, and the local municipality and indigenous groups. When no public institution has declared an interest in acquiring the property for public use, the surplus property will then be offered for sale on the open market.
