441-00478 (National defence and military operations)

The Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces are committed to effectively and efficiently managing our infrastructure inventory and associated responsibilities. All Canadian Armed Forces activities are conducted in accordance with the applicable federal, provincial and municipal acts, laws and regulations.

In 2014, a service ramp was built to allow critical operational vehicles to access the Citadelle of Québec City. The ramp was initially constructed as a temporary means to deliver a substantial renovation project. However, in 2017 the introduction of a new fleet of fire response vehicles purchased by the City of Québec reinforced the operational requirement for the ramp. The Citadelle is uniquely susceptible to the threat of fire, therefore ensuring the rapid and secure arrival of emergency vehicles remains a top priority.

The Canadian Armed Forces are required to provide safe access to emergency vehicles that exceeded the maximum clearance of the main entrancein order to comply with the Fire Code and applicable city bylaws. As part of the Canadian Armed Forces’ efforts to minimize disturbances, all vehicles using the ramp are required do so in accordance with municipal rules and regulations on noise and hours of operation. Canadian Armed Forces members, as well as, from time to time, her Excellency the Governor General, live and work in the Citadelle. As such, it must meet current occupational health and safety standards.

National Defence is currently engaged in consultations with technical experts and stakeholders in order to develop and assess options for a permanent solution. Any final decision will take into consideration regulatory and policy requirements, operational needs, as well as cultural and heritage standards.