Article By: Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Operations Officer 2
Real Property Operations Unit (West) (RPOU(W)) strengthened its engagement with regional defence partners as LCol Melanie Arsenault, RPOU(W) Commanding Officer, participated in discussions within the emerging Edmonton Region Defence Alliance (ERDA). ERDA serves as a coordinated regional network connecting primes, innovators, academia, government, and defence organizations to support Canada’s defence, security, and dual‑use technology ecosystem.
On 12 Feb 26, Brigadier‑General L.W. Rutland, Commander 3rd Canadian Division (3 Div), facilitated an ERDA roundtable organized by Edmonton Global. The event brought together regional leaders from the University of Alberta, Edmonton International Airport, the Government of Alberta, and Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, emphasizing the value of strengthening ties between the CAF, DND, and local industry to support national defence outcomes. 3 Div highlighted the importance of collaborating with industry and academia to better understand military needs and align regional capabilities with defence priorities.
During the discussions, LCol Arsenault offered refreshing and constructive inputs, providing an infrastructure‑focused perspective that resonated strongly with the alliances. She presented the overall development plan for the western region noting that the region’s infrastructure allocations are projected to nearly quadruple, marking a transformational period for CAF infrastructure investment and modernizations.
By contributing infrastructure expertise to the ERDA dialogue, LCol Arsenault highlighted RPOU(W)’s critical role in enabling the CAF’s mission success. Her participation reinforced the importance of modern, resilient, and scalable infrastructure in supporting future force development, sustainment, and operational readiness across Western Canada.
Her remarks underscored that many legacy issues may finally begin to fade as these new investments accelerate modernization efforts across the region. She further emphasized that the decisions made today will have a significant impact on the Canadian Armed Forces for the next 20–30 years, reinforcing a foundational for military readiness because without infrastructure, there will be no capability.”
As ERDA continues to connect regional capabilities with CAF and DND priorities, RPOU(W)’s leadership and technical insight remain essential in shaping the built environment that underpins Canada’s defence capabilities.
CHIMO!