Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination
Construction of Training Accommodation Facility – Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt

February 16, 2022 — The Department of National Defence must decide whether the proposed project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this decision, the Department of National Defence is inviting comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment. All comments received will be considered public. For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website.

Written comments must be submitted by March 7, 2022 to:
Becky MacInnis, Environment Officer / MARPAC Formation Safety and Environment
Mailing Address:  Formation Safety and Environment, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, PO Box 17000 Stn Forces
Victoria, BC, Canada, V9A 7N2
E-mail:  Rebecca.MacInnis@forces.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

The Department of National Defence (DND) has proposed a project which involves the construction of a new purpose-built facility to ensure that a modern standard of Training Accommodations is provided for the Junior Non-Commissioned Members undergoing trade/skills and other training at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt. The proposed facility will include 482 single occupancy bedrooms, a Dining and Galley to serve up to 700 people, flexible breakout training spaces, administrative areas and minor auxiliary functions (ie, mailroom, coffee outlet, etc.). Project includes the demolition of current 65+ year old accommodation building, Nelles Block. The new facility will incorporate technologies to meet both departmental and federal environmental guidelines, such as LEED's Silver certification and net zero carbon emissions.