Canadian Coast Guard to open new modernized Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre

News release

August 29, 2019

Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador — The Government of Canada is committed to investing in infrastructure and technology that helps protect our oceans. Through its provision of Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS), the Canadian Coast Guard helps keep mariners safe and supports Canada’s economy by helping ensure safe and efficient movement of vessels in Canadian waters.

Today, the Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, Gudie Hutchings, on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson marked the completion of construction of a new building for the Canadian Coast Guard MCTS Centre Port aux Basques.

This new building replaces the previous facility built in 1977. Sustainability was a key consideration in the design and construction of this new infrastructure, including LED lighting and a high-performance building envelope designed to resist extreme weather conditions in the area, and help reduce energy costs. The use of natural light in a new and modern work space will help promote employee health and well-being for the 17 Coast Guard employees who will be located in the new building.

Quotes

“I am pleased that Government of Canada has made this sustainable infrastructure investment in the Port aux Basques area. It is important that the Canadian Coast Guard has a modern facility so it can continue to promote marine safety and provide critical navigational services that save lives and protect the environment.”

Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains

“The government is committed to supporting the women and men of the Canadian Coast Guard. This means ensuring that they have the modern infrastructure and tools they need to carry out their vital work at the highest level. The new Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre building in Port aux Basques will help the Coast Guard in the region better protect mariners and the marine environment, and help our economy grow by keeping our waters safe, secure and open.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Quick facts

  • MCTS centres provide distress and safety call monitoring, broadcast maritime safety and weather information, and regulate vessel traffic in Canadian waters.

  • The $4.8 million construction contract for the Port aux Basques MCTS Centre was awarded to Pomerleau in August 2017.

  • The Port aux Basques MCTS Centre project is registered with the Canada Green Building Council under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system. A LEED silver certification is anticipated.

  • The building’s high-performance, durable envelope is designed to resist extreme weather conditions such as high winds and salt water-laden air found in the Port aux Basques area. The building is super-insulated to minimize heat loss, with both spray foam and exterior rigid insulation sheathing. Energy-efficient windows will help save on heating and lighting costs by preventing heat loss while allowing as much natural daylight as possible inside the building.

Associated links

Contacts

Jocelyn Lubczuk
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
343-548-7863
Jocelyn.lubczuk@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Media Relations
Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
709-772-3375
Media.NL@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Stay connected

Page details

Date modified: