Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination
Grand Passage Lifeboat Station - Digby County, NS

May 15, 2026 — The authorities must decide whether the proposed project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this decision, the authorities are 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 June 14, 2026 to:
Director Environment and Sustainable Management, Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure & Environment)
Mailing Address:  National Defence Headquarters
60 Moodie Drive
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K2
E-mail:  mnd.environment-environnement.mdn@forces.gc.ca

or

Andrew McKinnon, Project Engineer
Mailing Address:  1 Challenger Drive
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 4A2
E-mail:  andrew.mckinnon@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) has proposed a project. The proposed project is the new Grand Passage Lifeboat Station at Freeport (South Cove) Small Craft Harbour (SCH) on Long Island, Digby County, Nova Scotia. The existing infrastructure at Freeport SCH will be used with the following upgrades:

• dredging of the main navigation channel between the north and south breakwaters to -2.7 m Chart Datum for an approximate quantity of 10,640 m³;
• raising the existing north and south breakwaters;
• closure of the side channel in the north breakwater;
• infilling the southwest corner of the basin to provide space for the station building and supporting laydown and parking areas;
• construction of a marginal wharf;
• and installation of pile supported floating docks.

Dredging operations may be carried out from temporary causeways or land-based equipment such as long stick excavators.

Two (2) layers of 5-7 tonne armour stone placed at a 1:2 slope along the southwest breakwater will be used to raise the crest to approximately +10.1 m Chart Datum. The northeast breakwater will be reconstructed to close the 12 m wide channel to an elevation of +7.6 m.

The dredge material from the main navigation channel will be used for infilling the southwest corner of the basin. Approximately 15,804 m³ of material will be needed to reach capacity. The proposed service area will be built up to an approximate elevation of +7.30 m by placing gravel approximately 200 mm thick on top of the dredge material. Two (2) layers of 200-600 kg rip rap at 1.2 thickness will be placed at a 1.5:1 slope on the north side of the service area.

A marginal wharf approximately 30 m wide with a 300 mm concrete deck at an elevation +7.30 m will be constructed along the seaward face of the infill area. Floating docks will be constructed adjacent to the marginal wharf.

A launching ramp will be built off the existing gravel parking lot measuring approximately 64 m in length by 6 m wide from Chart Datum elevation +1.18 m to +7.30 m. At the seaward end of the launch ramp, 2 layers of 200-500 kg rip rap 1.1 m thick will be placed at a 1.5:1 slope to provide scour protection. On the existing harbour bottom, core stone will be placed to support the pre-cast and cast in place slabs which will constitute the launch ramp. Along each side of the launching ramp, 2 layers of 200-500 kg rip-rap 1.1 m thick will be placed at a 2:1 ratio to assist with slope protection.

The construction activities will consist of the use of heavy equipment such as excavators and haul trucks.

The CCG Search and Rescue (SAR) station building project encompasses land development, including site preparation, grading and foundation construction. The project will incorporate the installation of septic and potable water systems to meet sanitation and drinking water needs compliant with provincial guidelines/regulations. Basic construction items for the building will include the erection of structural frameworks, roofing, and exterior finishes, along with interior elements such as flooring, walls, and essential utilities like electrical and plumbing systems. The objective is to deliver a SAR station building that supports the operational needs of CCG.