Department of National Defence Canadian Patrol Submarine Project at CFB Halifax – Phase 1, Site Preparation

The Department of National Defence (DND) is proposing a project. The project will involve construction of new infrastructure in support of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Halifax. To support the delivery of the new submarines, DND must deliver complex, multi-purpose infrastructure at CFB Halifax by 2033 to enable submarine berthing, maintenance, and operations. The proposed location is at the CFB Halifax Wrights Cove property, located adjacent to the Bedford Basin and Burnside Industrial Park, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. DND intends to make a determination on the project in phases. The construction and infrastructure phase is found under project Title: Department of National Defence Canadian Patrol Submarine Project at CFB Halifax – Phase 2, Construction and Infrastructure.
The current, phase 1 site preparation work to support this new infrastructure will include the following:

  • Vegetation clearing, including tree and brush removal within designated work areas.
  • Grubbing and removal of stumps, roots, and organic materials.
  • Topsoil stripping and stockpiling of suitable materials where appropriate.
  • Site grading and earthworks to establish required site elevations and drainage patterns.
  • Establishment of temporary construction access routes, laydown areas, and staging areas.
  • Installation and maintenance of erosion and sediment control measures.
  • Temporary fencing and construction site security measures, as required.
  • Relocation, protection, or removal of existing site features and utilities, where necessary.

Site preparation construction activities will involve the operation of heavy equipment and the movement of construction materials and personnel throughout the project area. Site preparation work is anticipated to commence in January 2027.
The approximate area of disturbance is 80,000 m2.

Latest update

October 16, 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 November 4, 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 - October 16, 2026

Contacts

Department of National Defence
CFB Halifax, Public Affairs
PO Box 99000, Station Forces
Halifax NS B3K 5X5
Email: CFBHalifaxPublicAffairs@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

    • CFB Halifax - Wrights Cove, Dartmouth (Nova Scotia)

  • Nature of activity

    • Ports and Harbours
    • Defense and Security

  • Assessment status

    In progress

  • Start date

    2026-10-16

  • Proponent

    Department of National Defence

  • Authorities

    • Department of National Defence
    • Environment and Climate Change Canada

  • Assessment type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference number

    90840

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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