Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination
Boat Ramp Upgrades - Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges (CFMETR)

October 8, 2024 — The Department of National Defence must decide whether the proposed project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this decision, the Department of National Defence is inviting comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment. All comments received will be considered public. For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website.

Written comments must be submitted by October 17, 2024 to:
Becky MacInnis, Environment Officer / MARPAC Formation Safety and Environment
Mailing Address:  Formation Safety and Environment, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, PO Box 17000 Stn Forces
Victoria, BC, Canada, V9A 7N2
E-mail:  Rebecca.MacInnis@forces.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

The Department of National Defence (DND) is proposing a project. Due to the design and construction of the new helicopter pad completed in 2021, the existing boat ramp at Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges (CFMETR) Ranch Point is no longer accessible. DND is planning to upgrade the upland and upper intertidal area immediately south of the helicopter pad, to allow vehicles and equipment to access the boat ramp. The existing rip rap placed along the pre-cast lock block retaining wall will be removed. The shoreline along the south side of the existing retaining wall will be regraded to provide a gradual grade and allow ramp access, using 3" to 6" clear stone fill if required. Some existing wood and concrete debris may need to be removed from the upper intertidal area. Most of the required work will be done above the high-water mark.