As demands on Canada’s Arctic safety and security continue to grow, driven by increased commercial shipping, the impacts of climate change, and the rapid transformation of the Arctic region, the next step has been taken in advancing the construction of the Canadian Coast Guard’s new polar icebreaker to enable a strong, modern, and year‑round presence in the North.
The Canadian Coast Guard has always been an active member of the federal maritime security community. The amendments to the Oceans Act outline the new security-related authorities that will allow it to work more closely with partners to gain a more comprehensive picture of activities in Canadian waters.
The Canadian Coast Guard advises that the CCGS Des Groseilliers will conduct icebreaking operations near Bath, Ontario, on or around March 26. The purpose of this operation is to break ice so commercial vessels can navigate safely in and out of the area. The date is subject to change depending on operational requirements or weather conditions.
The Canadian Coast Guard’s seasonal search and rescue stations across Ontario will open on the following dates: March 20: Amherstburg, Kingston, Port Dover, Port Weller, March 27: Cobourg, April 3: Goderich, Meaford, Tobermory, April 10: Thunder Bay
The CCGS Martha L. Black will carry out icebreaking operations in the St. Lawrence Seaway, between Cardinal, Ontario, and Saint Lambert, Quebec to facilitate the safe reopening of this vital shipping channel. The icebreaker scheduled for these operations is subject to change depending on operational requirements or weather conditions.
The Canadian Coast Guard advises that the USCGC Spar will conduct icebreaking operations near Thunder Bay, Ontario, on or around March 14. The purpose of this operation is to break ice so commercial vessels can navigate safely in and out of the area. The date is subject to change depending on operational requirements or weather conditions.
The Canadian Coast Guard’s annual spring icebreaking operations on the Saguenay Fjord will start as early as Monday, March 9, 2026. All equipment and material currently on the ice must be moved ashore before midnight on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
The Canadian Coast Guard’s spring icebreaking operations on the St. Lawrence River between Montréal and Québec City will start on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The Canadian Coast Guard advises that the CCGS Vincent Massey will conduct icebreaking operations near Owen Sound, Ontario, beginning on or around January 16, 2026.
The Canadian Coast Guard has begun winter icebreaking operations in Atlantic Canada, the St. Lawrence Gulf and Estuary, the St. Lawrence River, and the Great Lakes and interconnecting waterways.
