The A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt represents a significant advancement in modernizing Canada’s naval infrastructure. This ambitious endeavor aims to replace aging jetties with state-of-the-art structures capable of supporting the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) current and future fleet requirements.
Recapitalization Project is a cornerstone of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. The primary objective is to demolish and reconstruct the World War II-era A and B jetties, which have surpassed their intended service life. These new jetties are designed to accommodate larger and more technologically advanced vessels, including the Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ships and Joint Support Ships. The project is divided into two main phases: the completion of B Jetty, followed by the reconstruction of A Jetty.
“B Jetty stands as a beacon of innovation, resilience, progress, and collaboration,” says Paul Schauerte, Director General of Infrastructure and Environment Engineering Services. “This jetty is not just a physical structure; it is a symbol of our shared vision and determination and will meet the needs of the Royal Canadian Navy for decades to come.”
The project’s first major milestone was the demolition of the original World War II-era B Jetty in 2017, followed by extensive remediation efforts. “At the same time, remediation work was undertaken to remove contaminated sediments from the harbour seabed, which had accumulated over the past 200 years of industrial use,” says Schauerte. “The dredging work was accompanied by underwater rock blasting to deepen the water next to the new jetty, allowing it to accommodate Canada’s new, larger naval vessels.”
B Jetty’s construction officially began in June 2020, and by December 2023, it was fully operational. With the project now shifting to A Jetty, work is expected to continue into the late 2020s. “The project team has benefited from the collaboration and adaptability of countless personnel who already have transferred their energy and enthusiasm to the next phase of this project, A Jetty,” says Schauerte.
The new jetty is larger and built to the unique seismic requirements of the Pacific Coast—able to accommodate both the current and future Royal Canadian Navy fleets. The new jetty also provides enhanced electrical services to the new classes of RCN vessels.
Beyond operational enhancements, the economic impact of the project has been substantial. “Construction of the new B Jetty has now reached initial operating capability and will create positive, long-term benefits for the local economy,” says Schauerte. “The approximately 1,280 jobs created during the construction phase are expected to continue as the focus shifts to A Jetty. As with most infrastructure projects, the majority of the overall project value of $1.1 billion is invested in Canadians and Canadian industry.”
The A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project not only strengthens Canada’s naval infrastructure but also prioritizes sustainability. “These infrastructure upgrades are being coordinated with ongoing remediation work in Esquimalt Harbour to improve the sustainability of our waters and the surrounding marine life environment,” says Schauerte. “Along with the replacement of the two jetties, the concurrent goal is to remediate the harbour sediment to reduce the incidence of contaminants, including heavy metals, to improve the health of the overall harbour and its marine life.”
Lessons learned from B Jetty’s construction are already shaping the next phase of the project. “Years of expertise developed through the construction and design of B Jetty have been carried forward to influence changes in design to A Jetty as well as construction techniques,” says Schauerte. From refining pile design to using a unique concrete mix, these improvements will streamline the process. Additionally, limited land availability has led to innovative material handling solutions. “The contractor and sub-consultants developed construction sequencing and material handling processes using barges moored to temporary piles. These processes will be adapted to support the construction activities of A Jetty.”
Collaboration between Defence Construction Canada (DCC), the Department of National Defence (DND), and industry partners has been key to the project’s success. “DCC and DND collaborate as a unified team to deliver DND’s capital construction projects,” Schauerte explains. “DCC serves as the contracting and contract management authority for National Defence, while DND is responsible for setting the overall project requirements, budget, and timeline. Together, DND and DCC work with Canadian industry to oversee both the design and construction of critical defense infrastructure.”
With B Jetty now in service, the transition to A Jetty is well underway. Work on A Jetty began months before the ribbon cutting for B Jetty and in November, the contractor began to remediate the land above A Jetty. This work will continue into the spring as A Jetty is stripped of operational equipment, including a tower crane, and prepared for demolition in summer 2025.
Once the old structure is removed, the harbour bottom will be remediated, and another phase of underwater rock removal will begin. “As with B Jetty, the new classes of Navy ships require deeper water alongside the new jetties than the older vessels,” says Schauerte. The construction process will follow a similar approach to B Jetty, incorporating pipe piles, rebar, and concrete to create a resilient, modern facility.
Looking ahead, the A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project aligns with Canada’s broader defense strategy. “With Our North Strong and Free, we are committed to providing the Canadian Armed Forces with modern, functional, and sustainable facilities,” Schauerte states. “Major infrastructure upgrades at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, such as the A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project, enable the Royal Canadian Navy to be well equipped to carry out its work.”
With the project on schedule for completion by 2031, Schauerte is optimistic about its lasting impact. “I look forward to going back to Esquimalt in a few years’ time to help cut a ribbon once again.”
For more information, please visit www.dcc-cdc.gc.ca/projects/project-esquimalt
