A port for polar icebreaker vessels may be coming to Sydney.
MP for Sydney-Glace Bay, announced the city is being explored as the preferred location for the Canadian Coast Guard’s future fleet.
This base would serve as a deep-water port supporting the operational and maintenance needs of Canada’s largest and most capable Arctic-ready ships.
The potential site was determined most suitable by a national assessment based on the Canadian Coast Guard’s operational, geographic, and infrastructure needs.
“Today is an exciting day for Sydney and Cape Breton,” stated Kelloway.
“The Government of Canada’s decision to pursue further exploration of Sydney to support siting activities enabling the polar icebreakers’ maintenance port demonstrates confidence in Sydney’s potential. This represents an important step forward that could bring jobs, support local businesses, and deliver lasting benefits to the community.”
The potential base would provide one of the shortest routes to the Arctic from Eastern Canada and is near the Canadian Coast Guard Academy.
It will also create opportunities to strengthen collaboration with the Royal Canadian Navy.
As per the Government of Canada’s duty to consult and the application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the Inuit Nunangat Policy, Indigenous Peoples will be consulted throughout the process.
The technical feasibility of constructing the polar icebreaker maintenance port at this location will be assessed pending future discussions with local landowners, due diligence and planning activities.
