Port aux Basques Harbour currently has navigation constraints, particularly Vardy’s Rock, that make it difficult for ferries to safely maneuver, especially in poor weather. This project will improve the entrance channel and establish a new turning basin to provide better maneuverability for our vessels, and will improve safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. 

We are currently in the design stage of the project. Our goal is to gather the necessary information to obtain regulatory permits and approvals over the next several months. We will complete a joint environmental evaluation to satisfy requirements of both the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change (ECC) environmental registration process and the federal Impact Assessment Act (IAA) process. We are seeking to obtain the required regulatory permits/approvals from the provincial and federal departments. Our goal is to complete the regulatory review process over the next several months.

• Environmental assessment registration by the province 
• Assessment of impacts by the federal departments 
• Authorization from DFO under the Fisheries Act 
• Approval from Transport Canada under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act 
• Approval from the province to alter a waterbody 
• Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) are also involved in the review of impacts.

Construction is expected to take approximately 12 months once approvals are in place.

We are in the design stage of the project therefore no final decision has been made on how the removal will occur. Because the material requiring removal is essentially rock, we do know it will involve managed blasting activities under the guidance of environmental and regulatory authorities.

Key concerns include: 

• Noise (especially blasting) 
• Effects on fish and fish habitat 
• Temporary impacts on fisheries 
• Marine mammal disturbance

Mitigation includes: 

• Daytime blasting 
• Environmental monitoring (noise, water quality) 
• Marine mammal observation and shutdown zones 
• Sediment control 
• Habitat offsetting

Yes. Monitoring programs will be implemented during and after construction to confirm mitigation effectiveness and regulatory compliance.

It is recognized that the lobster fishery could be impacted while the project is ongoing. Part of our current project planning is to establish ways to mitigate potential impact during construction. Once the project is completed and the habitat is replaced it is anticipated that the lobsters will return; post construction monitoring will be conducted to confirm this. 

Lobster is a key concern identified by local fishers. There may be temporary disruption during construction, but the project includes habitat creation and enhancement measures that may benefit lobster populations over the long term.