Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination
Recapitalize Jetty NB and Karlsen's Wharf – Canadian Forces Base Halifax

January 9, 2026 — The authorities must decide whether the proposed project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this decision, the authorities are 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 March 10, 2026 to:
Andrew Bradley, Project Manager
Mailing Address:  101 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa
Ontario, Canada, K1A 0K2
E-mail:  andrew.bradley2@forces.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

The Department of National Defence (DND) has proposed a project. The Royal Canadian Navy is undertaking a major fleet renewal initiative, including the introduction of 15 River-class Destroyers (RCD). In order to bring these vessels into service and support them throughout their lifecycle, projects have been raised to address limitations associated with current jetty infrastructure at His Majesty's Canadian (HMC) Dockyard, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Halifax, including the replacement of Jetty NB. Recapitalization of the adjacent Karlsen's Wharf and the construction of a continuous apron area between the two structures are also proposed. Jetty NB and Karlsen's Wharf are located at the southern end of HMC Dockyard. Jetty NB was built between the early and mid-1990s and is a piled structure with concrete deck. The replacement structure will be comprised of three structurally independent sections, each with a concrete superstructure on steel piles. All sections will have concrete perimeter walls extending from the deck surface to below the low water level. Concrete pile bents will be used to form utility tunnel walls within the structure. Berth pockets will require dredging to achieve consistent depths for each berth. Karlsen's Wharf was acquired by DND in the 1990s and reconstructed from a former timber-pile structure. Karlsen's Wharf will be recapitalized to provide berthing capacity for auxiliary vessels to support both current and future operational requirements. This is expected to include a new jetty, installation of service kiosks for mechanical and electrical support, modernization of berthing fittings, security improvements, and provision of adequate laydown and access areas. Construction activities are expected to start in 2027 and conclude in 2031.