Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination
Explosives Storage Area Site Upgrades – CFB Gander

May 1, 2026 — 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 May 20, 2026 to:
Rodney Normore, Lead Engineer
Mailing Address:  PO Box 6000 Stn Main
Gander, NL, Canada, A1V 1X1
E-mail:  rodney.normore@forces.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

The Department of National Defence (DND) is proposing a project. DND has determined a requirement to upgrade and repair buildings and infrastructure at the Explosives Storage Area (ESA) at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gander to support ongoing Base and military operations. The proposed work includes lightning protection upgrades, demolition of five (5) existing buildings, restoration of ground inside the ESA including removal of vegetation and replacement with geotextile and gravel, recapitalization of three (3) existing bunkers, constructing a fire break on the outside of the security fence line, upgrade and realignment of approximately 1.4 km of roadway at the ESA and, as required, upgrade of site drainage. Proposed work will occur within 30 m of a wetland. Project activities are to occur in 2026 – 2027.