On February 5, 2025, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt advanced its naval infrastructure modernization with the official inauguration of the new B Jetty. The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, presided over the ceremony, representing the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and Quebec Lieutenant.
“This milestone will ensure the Royal Canadian Navy has the critical infrastructure it needs at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt to accommodate the next generation of Canadian naval vessels. This is an important milestone in the A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project, and I am proud of the progress being made in continuing to grow our military capabilities,” expressed the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence.
The B Jetty is part of the $1.1 billion A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project, an initiative that involves replacing the aging A and B jetties with state-of-the-art structures. Designed to accommodate the next generation of Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) vessels, the new jetties will provide berthing space for ships acquired through Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, including the Joint Support Ships and Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships.
“Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the federal government is committed to ensuring that members of the Royal Canadian Navy are equipped with the modern ships required to carry out their important work defending and protecting Canada. Today’s opening of B Jetty at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt is an exciting moment, as this key piece of infrastructure will accommodate the future Navy fleet that is being delivered under the Strategy,” explained the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant.
The four-year construction phase of B Jetty generated approximately 1,300 jobs, bolstering employment in the region. With work on A Jetty now underway, these employment opportunities will continue as the two jetties are being replaced in sequence, ensuring that the RCN maintains sufficient docking capacity throughout the project.
“I’m thrilled to see the re-opening of Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt’s B Jetty. This significant upgrade ensures that our sailors have a modern, sustainable, and resilient jetty from which to operate the future fleet in defence of Canadian waters and interests,” conveyed Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.
Scheduled for completion by 2031, the new infrastructure incorporates durable, sustainable materials and modern construction techniques. It has been engineered to withstand the impacts of climate change, seismic activity, and potential rising water levels from tsunamis, ensuring long-term resilience and functionality for Canada’s naval fleet.
