Recapitalize Jetty NB and Karlsen's Wharf – Canadian Forces Base Halifax

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.

Latest update

January 9, 2026 - The authorities intend to make a determination regarding whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, the authorities are  inviting public comments until March 10, 2026 respecting that determination.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document Number Document Title File Date
1 Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination - January 9, 2026

Contacts

Andrew Bradley
Department of National Defence
Andrew Bradley, Project Manager
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2
Email: andrew.bradley2@forces.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Canadian Forces Base Halifax (Nova Scotia)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Other, not otherwise specified

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2026-01-09

  • Proponent

    Department of National Defence

  • Authorities

    • Department of National Defence
    • Environment and Climate Change Canada
    • Fisheries and Oceans Canada
    • Transport Canada

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    90138

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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