Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and Marker's Shelter Demolition - Amherst Rifle Range, Nova-Scotia

Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination
Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and Marker's Shelter Demolition - Amherst Rifle Range, Nova-Scotia

August 4, 2026 — The Department of National Defence must decide whether the proposed project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this decision, the Department of National Defence is inviting comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment. All comments received will be considered public. For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website.

Written comments must be submitted by August 23, 2026 to:
Shantell Boudreau, Senior Real Property Advisor
Mailing Address:  101 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa
Ontario, Canada, K1A 0K2
E-mail:  Shantell-danielle.boudreau@forces.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

The Department of National Defence (DND) has proposed a project. The proposed Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) work at the Amherst Rifle Range, located on Willow Street in Amherst, Nova Scotia, will consist of the construction of three boreholes, all of which will be installed as overburden monitoring wells (approximate depth of 6 metres). Each drilling location will require selective tree and brush clearing, as needed, to provide safe access for the drill rig and associated equipment to reach the proposed borehole locations. The proposed Marker's Shelter demolition work will consist of mechanical demolition of the concrete structure (e.g., hydraulic breaker, grapple), including minor excavation of earthen materials to fully expose the structure, breaking and processing of all concrete and reinforcing steel (rebar), and disposal at an approved construction and demolition (C&D) facility. Backfilling and grading of the work area, as required, using suitable on-site or imported materials to restore site conditions and safe final grades is included in the scope. The work is expected to take place Fall 2026, pending final determination and identification of appropriate mitigation measures.