Sydney, N.S., is the preferred site for a future maintenance port for the Canadian Coast Guard’s new polar icebreakers, says Sydney-Glace Bay MP Mike Kelloway.
The federal government announced on Tuesday that Sydney’s deep-water port could support the Canadian Coast Guard’s largest Arctic-ready vessels and provide one of the shortest routes to the Arctic from Eastern Canada. The site is also close to the Canadian Coast Guard Academy.
“Today is an exciting day for Sydney and Cape Breton. 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,” said Kelloway in a news release.
“This represents an important step forward that could bring jobs, support local businesses, and deliver lasting benefits to the community.”
The federal government says the decision follows a national assessment of potential sites. Consultations with Indigenous Peoples and discussions with landowners about the development of the maintenance port are now being planned.
Once the plan is approved, the government says the port would support year-round Arctic operations, strengthen Canada’s Arctic sovereignty and bring long-term economic benefits to Cape Breton and Atlantic Canada.
“The decision to explore Sydney, Nova Scotia, as the location for the polar icebreakers’ maintenance port is a next step towards continued strategic investments in Canada’s security and sovereignty in the Arctic. This facility will help keep our most capable vessels supported and ready to safeguard Canada’s northern waters year‑round. By strengthening our Arctic presence, we are protecting vital national interests and reinforcing Canada’s ability to respond to challenges in one of the most important regions for our future,” said David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, in the release.
The government says the port will provide essential maintenance for the Canadian Coast Guard’s largest polar icebreakers, allowing critical services like environmental response, search and rescue, and Arctic science.
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