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CFB Kingston failed environmental compliance inspection on refrigerants: memo

CFB Kingston failed environmental inspection: memo
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Lars Hagberg

Environment Canada sent National Defence a warning letter earlier this year alleging CFB Kingston broke federal environmental rules by failing to test rooftop air conditioners for refrigerant leaks in 2023.

National Defence documents, obtained through Access to Information law, say the base experienced three large halocarbon releases of over 100 kilograms in the past two years.

Halocarbons are greenhouse gases widely used as refrigerants and are associated with climate change.

The Defence Department blamed limited maintenance resources and poor record-keeping.

The documents also say the government’s recent hikes to the defence budget have led to more resources for maintenance and compliance, including at the Kingston base.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has booked tens of billions in added defence spending to meet Canada’s steep NATO spending commitments — although a previous operational spending clawback is reportedly still going ahead.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2026.

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