Federal government plans to repair crumbling Cape Spear battery
Part of Parks Canada's 'Road to 2017' celebration of Canada's 150th anniversary
Wanted: Contractor for 75-year-old Second World War bunker work. Must be able to repair gun emplacements and tunnel sections.
The Government of Canada has issued a tender for rehabilitation work at the Cape Spear battery, stationed northeast of the lighthouse in 1941 to provide protection for convoys from German submarines.
The site included concrete bunkers, gun emplacements, two 30-tonne gun barrels and trenches, and today the remains of concrete foundations of a radar hut, antenna platform and searchlight platform can still be seen.
An assessment of the site included with the tender notes that while the bunker has been a major part of the tourist draw to Cape Spear, the site is "nearing the end of its lifecycle and the bunkers have been severely deteriorated, to the point that certain sections of them have been closed to public access for safety reasons."
The federal government is looking for someone to, among other aspects:
- Install a new drainage system for the entire structure
- Install a new waterproofing membrane
- Repair cracks and exposed rebar in the gun emplacements as well as reinstating the ventilation shafts
- Repair and replacement as needed of tunnel sections
The government hopes the work will make for "an expanded visitor experience" and plans to include concessions and new interpretive programs and exhibits as part of Parks Canada's "Road to 2017" program, which will see the federal agency mark Canada's 150th anniversary next year with events and free admission to all national parks and historic sites.