Staff from the DCC Gagetown office volunteered to work on a Habitat for Humanity build in Moncton, New Brunswick in 2001— the year DCC marked its 50th anniversary. DCC employees across the country participated in celebratory events and donated their time to community activities. From left to right: Darrell Stewart, Jean-Frédéric Lalonde, Dave Powell, Jean-Dominique Lalonde, Roger Massie and Fred Boyle.
Here we grow again One of the key facets of DCC’ s success over the past 60 years has been its flexibility— its ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to the evolving needs of its primary client, DND. This ability was once again front and centre as the new millennium opened. The tragic events of September 11, 2001 brought DND into a new operational theatre, shifting priorities overseas on a scale not seen in decades. At home, a substantial economic boom in the western part of the nation— driven by a rapid escalation in the price of oil and other commodities affecting construction costs— was followed by a steep economic downturn.
Political changes also occurred during these years that, in part, emphasized renewal of the military and its support systems, including its infrastructure. This occurred against a backdrop of increased scrutiny of the size and role of government in all functional areas. DCC would focus on strengthening the portfolio of specialty services it offered to DND while striving to improve service delivery, efficiency and transparency.
The renaissance of DCC in the 2000s echoed the rapid growth of the Corporation in the 1950s, once again at a time of increased CF operational tempo.
Celebrating 50 years In 2001, DCC celebrated half a century of existence, with events at the national, regional and local levels, and the unveiling of a new logo for the Corporation. DCC also encouraged employees to get involved with local community projects. DCC staff from the Atlantic Region donated their labour to make a section of the Trans-Canada Trail in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, wheelchair accessible. In Ontario, DCC staff from the Kingston, Trenton and Central Region offices organized the materials and labour to build a children’ s playhouse— it was raffled off, with all funds going to Habitat for Humanity. DCC Gagetown site office staff also volunteered to work on a Habitat for Humanity build in the summer in Moncton, New Brunswick. It was a fitting way to recognize DCC’ s long record of service to the nation.
Renewed vigour, renewed direction The decade began in excellent form, from an organizational point of view. In 2000 – 01, DCC’ s Contract Services Division achieved ISO 9001 certification, making DCC the first federal procurement agency to do so. And, in 2001, the Minister of Public Works and Government Services reviewed and confirmed DCC’ s mandate to deliver defence projects for the government.
102 BREAKING NEW GROUND DEFENCE CONSTRUCTION CANADA