Port aux Basques Navigation Improvement Project
Public Notice
Port aux Basques Navigation Improvement Project– Public comments invited
September 29, 2026 – The federal authorities must determine whether the proposed Port aux Basques Navigation Improvement Project, located in Port aux Basques, NL is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
To help inform this determination, the federal authorities are inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online,
Written comments must be submitted by October 29, 2026 to:
Jason Godfrey, PTech
Marine Atlantic
175 Hardy's Arterial
Channel-Port aux Basques, NL A0M 1C0
(709) 695-2319
jgodfrey@ma.ca
The proposed project
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The proponent is proposing to undertake navigation improvements in Port aux Basques Harbour to support Marine Atlantic ferry operations. The proposed improvements are intended to enhance access to berths within the harbour by addressing existing navigational constraints that affect docking and undocking operations, particularly during adverse weather conditions. The primary component of the project involves the removal of Vardy's Rock (also known as Vardy's Island) to improve navigability. Additional work includes widening and deepening the approach channel and turning basin through the removal of rock south and southwest of Vardy's Rock, as well as a portion of Baldwin Rock. Dredged rock would be reused to repair and upgrade the existing Pikes Island Breakwater and to create an infill area at Pikes Island. Construction is anticipated to take approximately 12 months and is not expected to disrupt existing ferry operations.
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Document reference number: 1