The Department of National Defence begins construction of the Land-Based Test Facility at Hartlen Point in Eastern Passage

Press Release

January 19, 2026 – Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

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.

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Quotes

“Having the right infrastructure in place to support a modern naval fleet is mission critical. This facility represents an important step in the River-class destroyer project. Once completed, it will play a vital role in bringing the new ships into service and preparing our personnel to work with the incoming ship systems. Beginning construction on this testing facility is another step forward in providing our Canadian Armed Forces with the capabilities required to protect Canada’s sovereignty.

The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence

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Quick facts

• The Government of Canada is procuring 15 new River-class destroyers for the RCN. This new fleet will upgrade and replace the capabilities of the current Halifax-class frigates and retired Iroquois-class destroyers.

• Due to the complex nature of the River-class destroyers’ combat systems, they must be integrated and commissioned before being installed on the ships. The LBTF is critical in testing those systems. Of note, this is not a weapons testing facility.

• The LBTF project footprint is approximately 10 hectares and includes the future LBTF site, access roadway, required security clearances beyond the fence line, and a stormwater outfall control trench. The main building will be 12,567 m2 across two floors and a topside (approximately 9,100 m2 footprint), alongside a 32 m2 gate house and a 271 m2 guard house.

• Hartlen Point was selected because it is DND-owned, meets security requirements, provides adequate space for all systems in a single location, and is directly on the coastline. The site supports a 130-degree live transmission arc out over the ocean, which is essential for the River-class destroyer combat systems testing requirements.

• While the Land-Based Test Facility is the first infrastructure project to support the River-class destroyers, additional infrastructure will be required, including jetties, warehouses, training facilities, and more.

• Defence Construction Canada is the contracting authority for DND infrastructure.