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The Government of Canada announced the opening of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt’s new B Jetty. The $1.1 billion A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project includes the demolition of the existing A and B jetties and replacing them with larger, more modern and robust structures. This will allow CFB Esquimalt to accommodate the new ships the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) will receive through Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, including the Joint Support Ships and the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships. “This milestone will ensure the Royal Canadian Navy has the critical infrastructure it needs at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt to accommodate the next generation of Canadian naval vessels. This is an important milestone in the A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project, and I am proud of the progress being made in continuing to grow our military capabilities,” said Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence. “CFB Esquimalt is the second largest military base in Canada and the Defence Team members stationed there require the appropriate infrastructure to support their vital work in defending our country. The investment in the Royal Canadian Navy by our government, the largest since the Second World War, includes modern infrastructure that can support our newly acquired fleets,” saidHarjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada. The construction of the new B Jetty created close to 1,300 jobs throughout its four-year duration. These jobs will be sustained with the construction of A Jetty, as the replacement of B and A jetties is being carried out successively to maintain the RCN’s ample berthing space during construction. “Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the federal government is committed to ensuring that members of the Royal Canadian Navy are equipped with the modern ships required to carry out their important work defending and protecting Canada. Today’s opening of B Jetty at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt is an exciting moment, as this key piece of infrastructure will accommodate the future Navy fleet that is being delivered under the Strategy,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement. The A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project is expected to be completed in 2031. The new infrastructure uses durable, sustainable materials and was built using modern technologies and construction practices. The structure was designed to be responsive to the accelerating pace of climate change and to withstand the effects of an earthquake or rising waters from a tsunami. “I’m thrilled to see the re-opening of Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt’s B Jetty. This significant upgrade ensures that our sailors have a modern, sustainable, and resilient jetty from which to operate the future fleet in defence of Canadian waters and interests,” said Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. |
