Providing Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members with the facilities and tools they need to support operations is critical to preparing personnel for the challenges of tomorrow. To help bring the Royal Canadian Navy's (RCN) new River-class destroyer (the River-class) into service and support them throughout their lifecycle, the Department of National Defence (DND) is building a Land-Based Test Facility (LBTF) on DND property at Hartlen Point in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia.
Construction began in November 2025 and is expected to be completed in early 2028. Construction will be completed by PCL Construction of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and is expected to sustain approximately 200 jobs over the duration of the project. The LBTF design progressed in parallel with the River-class design, as the facility required detailed ship specifications to support combat systems integration. To maintain project timelines while designs advanced, site preparation work began in 2023. Work completed to date includes roadway access, grading, extension of municipal services, culvert installation, a civil package (excavation and backfilling ahead of foundation work), and a concrete package (footings, foundations, retaining walls, and elevator/stair shafts). This phased approach allowed for a seamless transition into full construction and supports the timely delivery of this complex facility.
Canada is a maritime nation with the longest coastline of any nation on earth. The new River-class will allow the CAF to continue protecting Canadian waters, contributing to international naval operations, and addressing evolving maritime security challenges on behalf of Canadians.
The construction of the LBTF contributes to Canada's commitment to meeting North Atlantic Treaty Organization defence spending targets, supporting economic growth, protecting Canadian sovereignty, and strengthening our ability to work with Allies.
