Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination
Private Dock Construction - Esquimalt Harbour

February 19, 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 February 28, 2026 to:
Becky MacInnis, Environment Officer / MARPAC Formation Safety and Environment
Mailing Address:  Formation Safety and Environment, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, PO Box 17000 Stn Forces
Victoria, BC, Canada, V9A 7N2
E-mail:  Becky.MacInnis@forces.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

Songhees Nation has proposed a marine infrastructure project in Plumper Bay that involves the supply and installation of a new floating dock system within the licensed water lot area to upgrade existing facilities. The dock will be owned and used by Songhees Nation for operational and community purposes and will not be open to the general public. The project will consist of the installation of a new Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)-style timber dock, associated access structures, and pile foundations to provide safe and reliable marine access.

The scope of work includes towing a derrick barge to site and installing a new approximately 65-foot by 12-foot floating timber dock supported by driven steel pipe piles. The dock will be secured using four steel pipe piles, each fitted to support the floating structure and accommodate tidal fluctuations. Repairs to an existing abutment structure will be installed to transition from the upland area to the dock system.

Access to the dock will be provided by new aluminum gangways, including an approach gangway and a secondary gangway, each approximately 4 feet wide by 40 feet long, connecting the upland area to the floating dock. All structural components will be designed to withstand marine conditions and regular operational use.

Dock components, piles, and access structures will be prefabricated off-site and transported to the project location by barge. Installation will be completed from the water using a marine crane, minimizing disturbance to the shoreline and surrounding upland areas. All work will be carried out in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and standard best practices for marine construction.