Canadian Coast Guard advances planning for the future polar icebreakers maintenance port in Sydney, Nova Scotia
Press Release
January 13, 2026 – Sydney, Nova Scotia – National Defence / Canadian Coast Guard
Today, Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Glace Bay and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, on behalf of the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, announced Sydney, Nova Scotia, as the preferred location to explore the maintenance port for the Canadian Coast Guard’s future polar icebreakers. This infrastructure will serve as a deep‑water port to support the unique operational and maintenance requirements of the Canadian Coast Guard’s largest and most capable Arctic-ready ships.
This preferred location follows a national assessment to determine the most suitable site based on the Canadian Coast Guard’s operational, geographic, and infrastructure needs. Sydney, Nova Scotia has key advantages that support the long‑term operational needs of the fleet, providing one of the shortest routes to the Arctic from Eastern Canada, proximity to the Canadian Coast Guard Academy, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration with the Royal Canadian Navy.
Pending future discussions with local landowners, due diligence and planning activities will be required to assess the technical feasibility of constructing the polar icebreaker maintenance port at this location. This marks the first step in planning infrastructure that will support Canada’s Arctic‑capable vessels, expand East Coast marine capacity, and create economic opportunities for Atlantic Canada.
Indigenous Peoples will be engaged and consulted throughout the process, in accordance with 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.
The port will provide essential maintenance for the Canadian Coast Guard’s largest polar icebreakers, enabling year‑round Arctic operations and strengthening Canada’s sovereignty and security in the Arctic. This will allow personnel to continue delivering critical services, including icebreaking operations, environmental response, search and rescue, and Arctic science.
Quotes
“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.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“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. This represents an important step forward that could bring jobs, support local businesses, and deliver lasting benefits to the community.”
Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Sydney—Glace Bay
“Our new polar icebreakers will be capable of year‑round Arctic operations. Today marks an important step in building the infrastructure these vessels need. Located near the Canadian Coast Guard Academy, the preferred site will provide unique training opportunities for the next generation of mariners while offering one of the most direct routes to the Arctic from Eastern Canada. This port will stand as a cornerstone of our operational capability and a proud symbol of Canada’s enduring presence in the Arctic.”
Mario Pelletier, Commissioner for the Canadian Coast Guard
Quick facts
As part of its fleet renewal plan, the Canadian Coast Guard is acquiring two polar icebreakers. These vessels, expected to be delivered in the early 2030’s, will bolster the Canadian Coast Guard’s Arctic presence, and boast greater, more advanced capabilities than the current icebreakers in the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet.
Due diligence and planning activities will provide critical data on soil, rock, and groundwater conditions, information that determines whether a site can support the heavy infrastructure required for a Canadian Coast Guard maintenance port, including dry docks, workshops, cranes, and storage facilities.
The due diligence activities and consultations with Indigenous Peoples are targeted to begin in 2026. Engineering studies and infrastructure design will follow once the consultations and survey are successfully completed.
St Johns not ice free enough?
Not enough room there?
Maybe planning on a couple more Polars in the future?
Thanks everyone for not concentrating the discussion on the CCG. I am pleased Trumpist ideology falls outside the CCG purview..