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

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.

Latest update

August 4, 2026 - The Department of National Defence intends 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 Department of National Defence is inviting public comments until August 23, 2026 respecting that determination.

Participate

Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
1 Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination - August 4, 2026

Contacts

Shantell Boudreau
Department of National Defence
Shantell Boudreau, Senior Real Property Advisor
101 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2
Email: Shantell-danielle.boudreau@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

    • Amherst Rifle Range, Amherst (Nova Scotia)

  • Nature of activity

    • Building and Property Development
    • Other, not otherwise specified

  • Assessment status

    In progress

  • Start date

    2026-08-04

  • Proponent

    Department of National Defence

  • Authorities

    • Department of National Defence

  • Assessment type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference number

    90681

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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