Current projects
A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project
The A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project is being completed to replace the A Jetty and B Jetty and remediate the area around them.
This project will support the continued efforts to update dockyard infrastructure at CFB Esquimalt in support of a 21st Century Royal Canadian Navy. These two jetties were built in the World War II era and are now over 70 years old; well beyond their service life. In conjunction with this project, contaminated sediments around A and B Jetties will be remediated in support of the Esquimalt Harbour Remediation Project. The new A / B Jetty will provide structurally sound berthing facilities with up-to-date services for both Canada’s current and future navy fleet.
Current Status: The A Jetty open water remediation, B Jetty demolition, remediation, and construction work-tasks have been completed. The B Jetty operational commissioning is complete. The next phases of work includes A Jetty demolition, remediation, and construction with the first work package awarded and the second work package estimated to start mid-2025. The A Jetty is anticipated to be complete in 2032.
Anticipated Timeline: 2014 – late 2020’s (estimate)
Image captions
- The A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project Area Map figure shows the location of the A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project in Esquimalt Harbour including labels for A Jetty and B Jetty.
- The Rendering of Completed A/B Jetty photo shows an aerial view of the completed A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project in Esquimalt Harbour.
Esquimalt Harbour Risk Management Plan
After the completion of several remediation projects in Esquimalt Harbour over the past few years, a long-term harbour-wide risk management plan was put into action in 2021. This robust harbour risk management program includes habitat dive surveys and sampling of sediment, stormwater, and surface water quality to ensure the continued improvement of ecological health of the harbour. DND continues to work collaboratively with local Indigenous Nations, the public, and Esquimalt Harbour stakeholders to inform long-term management of Esquimalt Harbour.
Current Status: This project began in 2021 and continues to take a harbour-wide approach.
Anticipated Timeline: 2022 – late 2020s
Image captions
- The Esquimalt Harbour Revitalization Plan figure shows the location of the Esquimalt Harbour Revitalization Plan in Esquimalt Harbour.
- The Esquimalt Harbour August 2021 photo shows an aerial view of Esquimalt Harbour. This photo was taken by a drone in August 2021.
- This photo shows an excavator dredging and loading sediment in the Esquimalt Harbour.
Plumper Bay Revitalization Project
Following the completion of the Plumper Bay and Ashe Head remedial dredging in 2018, the Plumper Bay Revitalization Project began as a project to implement risk management strategies to address remaining areas of contamination, coupled with habitat restoration to improve the overall condition of Plumper Bay. Through working with Esquimalt Nation and Songhees Nation a remedial design has been complete which, removes the remaining legacy shoreline contamination and reinstates a more natural shoreline including shoreline protection, habitat improvement, removal of wood waste, debris removal, and increased community access.
Current Status: Implementation
Anticipated Timeline: Implementation 2025-2027
Image captions
- The Plumper Bay Revitalization Project Area Map figure shows the location of the Plumper Bay Revitalization Project in Esquimalt Harbour.
- Arial photograph of excavators and a dump truck working to construct a new beach in Plumper Bay.
Wood Waste Remediation Project
Esquimalt Harbour has been the location of naval operations and an active industrial harbour for over 150 years. Decades of milling and log booming activity have resulted in high levels of wood waste. Wood waste deposits alter sediment characteristics and produce toxins as they decompose, thus impacting the seafloor flora and fauna and, consequently, create inhospitable conditions for marine life in the harbour.
The Wood Waste Remediation Pilot Project was implemented in February 2020 to test the effectiveness of capping wood waste impacted sediments. The Project has carried out studies and tests designed to characterize and assess this waste, determine its effects on the biota, and provide sustainable remedial options to benefit the ecological health of the harbour.
Current Status: Implementation
Anticipated Timeline: Completion in 2027
Image captions
- The Wood Waste Remediation Project Area Map figure shows the location of the Wood Waste Remediation Project in Esquimalt Harbour.
- The Beggiatoa Bacterial Mats photo shows wood waste collected from the seabed of Esquimalt Harbour.
- The Wood Waste Remediation Pilot Project Design & Wood Waste on the Harbour Floor photo shows a schematic drawing of the Wood Waste Remediation Pilot Project and underwater imagery of wood waste debris located on the seabed of Esquimalt Harbour.
