Canada’s North is central to our Government’s vision for ensuring Canada remains position to assert and defend sovereignty in the Arctic. The construction of the Nanisivik Naval Facility, which will operate as a docking and refuelling facility for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and other government vessels, will serve to enhance the RCN’s presence in the North.
The primary role of the Nanisivik Naval Facility will be to refuel the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) on an as-required basis, during the navigable season. The facility will have the capability to refuel other RCN and Government of Canada vessels.
The facility will consist of storage tanks for naval fuels, a site office, wharf operator’s shelter and an unheated storage building. There will be modest repairs to the jetty and there will be a helicopter landing pad.
Additionally, the facility will continue to provide the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) with space to store cargo during Arctic re-supply missions. The facility also allows for the RCN and CCG to transfer and store a modest amount of supplies.
Any infrastructure work in the Arctic poses a number of unique challenges due to the remote location and various other difficulties, such as a shorter construction season and permafrost. Following the announcement of the project in 2007, several detailed site studies were conducted and the infrastructure requirements were confirmed. Cost estimates for the project were adjusted as project officers became more familiar with the site and the Arctic environment,
Therefore, the scope of the NNF was reduced to ensure the project remained on budget. This decision was made after a thorough analysis which determined the best option for both the Canadian taxpayer and the CAF while providing essential capabilities, remaining within a reasonable budget and ensuring a presence in the Arctic.
The overall total project budget for the Nanisivik Naval Facility is $130 million ($146M after tax). The overall budget includes $116 million for the project, as cited by the Government in Budget 2013 and captures design, construction, geotechnical and environmental studies, various contingency and allowances, inflation, travel, and other project management costs associated with implementation of the overall project. An additional $14 million was spent prior to 2013 on site studies, project management, and design costs.
Construction was originally estimated to begin in summer 2010, however, further site investigations were required prior to construction. It is now forecasted that the Nanisivik Naval Facility will be operational by 2018.
The Department of National Defence has completed all site studies required to support the design work for the Nanisivik Naval Facility. The design for the facility, which was contracted to Worley Parsons in 2009, was completed in early 2014. The tender was issued to pre-qualified contractors in April 2014.
Preparation for construction work at the NNF location began in summer 2014, which involved transporting materials to the site, survey work, and the assembly of a 60 person construction camp. 2015 is the first full season for construction, which began in early June.
