By: MWO Cameron Wallace, RPOD Dundurn Det SM
Assistant Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Environment (ADM(IE)) Mr. Peter Hammerschmidt visited Detachment Dundurn on 4 and 5 Aug 26. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss infrastructure priorities, strengthen relationships with regional partners and engage directly with personnel for the following key focus:
Building Cooperation with Whitecap Dakota First Nation
The visit began at Whitecap Dakota First Nation, where Mr. Hammerschmidt met with Chief Darcy Bear. Discussions focused on the development of Tamke Road and future cooperation between the Department of National Defence and Whitecap Dakota First Nation.
The meeting concluded with positive results for both organizations and reinforced the value of continued collaboration. Mr. Hammerschmidt then received a brief tour of the community, including the construction sites of the Nordic Spa and the Virtual Health Hub.
Following the first nation tour, the delegation travelled along Tamke Road to observe its current condition before continuing to Detachment Dundurn. At the detachment, Mr. Hammerschmidt was briefed on ongoing construction and future development areas. The visit continued at the RP Ops building, where he held a question-and-answer session with RP employees. The discussion allowed staff to share their experiences, raise questions and highlight matters affecting current and future operations.
Advancing Infrastructure and Security Priorities
On 5 Aug 26, Mr. Hammerschmidt met with the Detachment Dundurn and Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot (CFAD) command teams. The discussion focused on the Magazine Recap project and the detachment’s security infrastructure requirements. The meeting provided an opportunity to review project priorities, identify ongoing challenges and discuss the infrastructure needed to support safe and effective operations.
Strengthening Community Relationships
The delegation then travelled to Moose Jaw to meet with Mayor James Murdock and discuss the relationship between Department of National Defence (DND) and the city. The engagement highlighted the importance of continued cooperation and open communication between 15 Wing and the surrounding community.
Before departing for Regina, the group made a brief stop at Mac the Moose for a photo opportunity. The visit was a fitting addition to the itinerary, as Mr. Hammerschmidt’s family are avid moose enthusiasts.
Visit to HMCS Queen and Regina Armoury
The final stop was HMCS Queen and the Regina Armoury, where Mr. Hammerschmidt met with Lieutenant-Commander Aaron Kaytor and Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Barry. Discussions focused on recent repairs, ongoing facility usage and future development plans.
The visit concluded with an overview of infrastructure requirements at the armoury, and a discussion of the work required to support personnel and operations.
After completing the engagements, RPOD Dundurn representatives thanked Mr. Hammerschmidt for taking the time to visit and discuss the detachment’s priorities before accompanying him to his hotel.
The two-day visit demonstrated the value of collaboration among DND, Indigenous partners, municipal leaders and local military organizations. It also provided ADM(IE) with a firsthand look at current infrastructure projects and future development requirements across Saskatchewan.