Overview
- A federal announcement by MP Mike Kelloway on behalf of Defence Minister David J. McGuinty named Sydney as the preferred location following a national assessment.
- The proposed deep-water facility would service the Coast Guard’s largest Arctic-ready ships to support year-round Arctic operations and bolster sovereignty.
- Next steps include due diligence on technical feasibility, engagement with Indigenous Peoples under UNDRIP and the Inuit Nunangat Policy, and discussions with local landowners.
- Sydney was chosen for operational advantages including one of the shortest routes to the Arctic, proximity to the Canadian Coast Guard Academy, and ties to the Royal Canadian Navy in nearby Halifax.
- Two new polar icebreakers are in procurement with deliveries expected in the 2030s, creating the need for a dedicated maintenance base and potential economic benefits for Cape Breton.