Campaign Launched To Support The Long Term Success Of Comox Valley's Largest Economic Generator

The Canadian government recently issued a Request for Proposal for the Fixed Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) Replacement Project. The companies which submit bids are expected to recommend locations for future operations, training and maintenance as part of their proposals. Potential bidders include Lockheed Martin, Airbus Group, and Boeing, among others.

19 Wing Comox is one of three Training Center location contenders which also include 8 Wing Trenton, and 14 Wing Greenwood. Recognizing the opportunity and the threat to the region's economy if the training center were to be located elsewhere, Comox Valley Economic Development Society (CVEDS), and a dedicated volunteer Technical Working Group, comprised of retired senior military officers, and representatives from the Comox Valley Airport, have developed a discussion paper that presents the Comox Valley and 19 Wing Comox as the logical choice for the eventual location of a new FWSAR Training Centre. Additional input was also provided via the Vancouver Island Aerospace Group.

The paper seeks to demonstrate strategic rationale regarding the relevance of 19 Wing Comox and its preferential attributes related to the SAR training to potential bidders. "19 Wing Comox is the ideal location for this training, thanks to the aerodrome's capacity, the synergies available with the existing Search and Rescue training facilities, and especially the mountainous and overwater training venues available year-round. Students who learn how to fly SAR missions here will be able to save lives anywhere," said Fred Bigelow, CEO, Comox Valley Airport, and a member of the working committee.

"We knew that if we wanted the Comox Valley to be given serious consideration as the best location for the Training Center, we needed to have a presence at the ADSE (Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo (ADSE) in Abbotsford, held last weekend) as a part of our strategy," said Richard Hardy, President of Comox Valley Economic Development, who has been supporting this initiative as part of their 19 Wing Support Program included in the regions 5 year Regional Economic Development Strategic Plan. "This RFP opportunity is very significant and serious, and the distribution of the paper that has been developed not only can support the education of potential bidders who attend shows like this, it also allows various levels of government, as well as our business community and citizens, to understand and communicate why the Comox Valley is the logical choice."

FMI: http://fwsarcomoxvalley.com