Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination
Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) Airfields Program located at the Department of National Defence (DND), 19 Wing, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Comox, Lazo, British Columbia (BC)

July 3, 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 July 22, 2026 to:
Robert Winslow, Project Manager
Mailing Address:  101 Colonel By Dr.
Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1A 0K2
E-mail:  robert.winslow@forces.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

The Department of National Defence (DND) is proposing a project. The Project will occur within the Main Base of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Comox, Lazo, British-Columbia. The construction activities will include the rehabilitation and strengthening of Taxiways Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, and Echo, rehabilitation of Runway 12-30, reconstruction of the Compass Calibration Pad, expansion of the South Ramp for CP8A aircraft parking and circulation, reconstruction of the Bird Bath (Clear Water Rinse System) for aircraft corrosion control, and construction of a new apron for the Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft (CMMA) hangar and a new de-icing pad. Civil works will involve pavement rehabilitation, drainage system upgrades, and improvements to airfield lighting and electrical systems. All works will be sequenced to maintain continuous airfield operations for both military and civilian aircraft throughout construction. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 and is expected to be completed by 2033. Upon completion, the upgraded airfield infrastructure will support the full operational deployment and maintenance of the CP8A aircraft at 19 Wing Comox. The expanded aprons and ramps, strengthened pavements, and new support facilities such as the Bird Bath and de-icing pad will ensure safe and efficient aircraft operations. The airfield will continue to support both military and civilian flight activities, with ongoing maintenance and operational management conducted in accordance with DND protocols and environmental best practices. At the conclusion of construction, site restoration will be undertaken in accordance with federal environmental standards and DND requirements. Restoration measures will include the stabilization and revegetation of disturbed areas, implementation of erosion and sediment control, and removal of all temporary stockpiles and construction debris. The project design will also comply with the Treasury Board Secretariat's Standard on Embodied Carbon in Construction (GC, 2025c), contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and alignment with the Greening Government Strategy (GC, 2025d). Long-term environmental monitoring and maintenance will ensure that the Site is returned to a stable condition and continues to operate in an environmentally responsible manner.