A Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure to help advance the Atlantic Wildfire Centre to the next stage of development.  

  

The RFP is seeking an advisor to engage with relevant stakeholders to assess the centre’s infrastructure and space requirements, as well as operational and functional considerations. This is a key step in advancing the project toward the design and construction phase.   

  

In October 2024, the Provincial Government announced it would establish an Atlantic Wildfire Centre in Central Newfoundland, with operational infrastructure in Labrador, to strengthen and enhance efforts to protect Atlantic Canada’s communities and forests and provide leadership and expertise in wildfire fighting and prevention.  

  

The Atlantic Wildfire Centre provincial headquarters and operations/training centre for wildfire management and training will be located in Gander, as well as a hangar to house the Air Services Division of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. An operations office and aerial suppression infrastructure will be located at Wabush airport. 

  

Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl. The closing date for proposals is November 22, 2024. 

  

Quotes  

“The issuing of the Request for Proposals for an advisor is an important step in advancing this important initiative for our province. As I have said many times, we have a great team in place doing incredible work in our Air Services Division and in the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture. This centre will provide them with the equipment, training and support needed for their continued service.”  

Honourable Fred Hutton  

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure  

Minister of Rural Economic Development  

  

“The Atlantic Wildfire Centre will support Canadians by delivering effective wildfire management and emergency responses to protect the region’s forests, communities, and people. With strategic investment in wildland fire management, science and training, as well as vital equipment to increase the province’s air services complement, the establishment of the Atlantic Wildfire Centre is quickly advancing.” 

Honourable Gerry Byrne  

Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture  

  

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