Valcartier military base to take in Syrian refugees

The Canadian Forces BaseValcartieris preparing to take inSyrian refugees, with the first group expected to arrive by Dec. 1.

CFB Valcartier,50 kilometresnorth ofQuebec City, has put out a call for tenders to winterize10buildings on the base that normally house cadetsduring summer training. The cadet campcan house approximately1,500people at once, according to a retired non-commissioned officer.

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In addition, officials at the base are freeing up space in existing housing blocks.

Radio-Canada obtained a Department of National Defenceemailthat confirms rooms in certain housing units on theValcartierbase must be vacated as soon as possible although it doesn't explicitly state that they will be needed for refugees.

However, an official source has confirmed to Radio-Canada that the first arrivals are expected by Dec.1.

The call for tenders for the winterization of the cadet housing invited contractors who want to bid on the $1.5-million project to visit the site this morning. The deadline for bids is Nov. 24, and the work must be finished byDec. 30, 2015.

The project includes installing heating and ventilation, insulatingfloors and ceilings, and buildingnew exterior walls.

Quebec waiting for nod from Ottawa

The federal governmenthas not yet said how Canada plans to housethe 25,000 Syrian refugees it has vowed to take in by the end of the year.

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Quebec has already committed to bringing in 3,600 refugees a number that could jump to 5,700 when the federal government eventually releases its plan.

Quebec City is expected to host 500 to 800 refugees. It is one of 13Quebec municipalitiesslated to take in refugees.