Esquimalt Harbour updates engage community input

Peter Mallett, 
Staff Writer

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The A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project is currently the largest construction project in the harbour and is anticipated to be completed in the mid-2020s.

Defence Team members revealed the project’s details at the Oct. 27 Public Information Session at the Songhees Wellness Centre.

“We heard many positive comments on the progress that has been made in the cleaning up of contaminated sediments,” said Michael Bodman, Manager of Base Safety and Environment. “This included comments about the increased number of observations of sea life in Esquimalt Harbour including whales, herring, and other fish species.”

Approximately 70 people, primarily residents close to the Department of National Defence (DND) and Esquimalt Graving Dock facilities, used the session as an opportunity to raise concerns about noise from various sources, learn where the sediment went for disposal and the archaeological materials recovered during dredging projects and showed interest in how local Indigenous communities have been engaged in the project.

The DND is undertaking several projects in Esquimalt Harbour associated with CFB Esquimalt. The projects are addressing the historic harbour contamination and are continuing to transform the Dockyard infrastructure to support the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) operations.

“In the long term, DND will continue to work with partners in the surrounding communities to monitor condition of Esquimalt Harbour, manage risk and identify projects that will contribute to the ongoing goal of a healthy and sustainable environment,” Bodman said.

The A-Jetty open water remediation, B-Jetty demolition, and remediation are completed, with B-Jetty construction underway. The remediation of G-Jetty and Jetty 11 on the Colwood side of Esquimalt Harbour is currently in the procurement phase and is expected to commence by the end of 2022.

The current A Jetty and former B Jetty is now over 70 years old, says Bodman.

“Along with providing important updates, information sessions such as this one also highlight the Government of Canada’s investment in enabling and supporting the RCN through investing in new infrastructure, protecting the environment and cleaning up contamination caused by historical activities,” Bodman said.

Updated project information is also available on the DND website EsquimaltHarbour.ca