Among over 40 projects that Bird has been contracted to build with Defence Construction Canada for the Department of National Defence, the Shearwater expansion includes three new buildings and the upgrading of an existing structure. This expansion accommodates the new Sikorsky helicopters. Additional work included a multi-use maintenance facility and administrative offices, and upgrading an existing steam distribution tunnel.

Challenges associated with the multi-purpose nature of the support facility included an infloor low-level fire suppression sprinkler system that is the first installation of this emerging new technology in a Canadian project.