Proponent: Marine Atlantic Inc.

Summary of Environmental Assessment Process

Project Description:

The proponent is proposing to undertake navigation improvements in Port aux Basques Harbour to support Marine Atlantic ferry operations. The proposed improvements are intended to enhance access to berths within the harbour by addressing existing navigational constraints that affect docking and undocking operations, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

The primary component of the project involves the removal of Vardy’s Rock (also known as Vardy’s Island) to improve navigability. Additional work includes widening and deepening the approach channel and turning basin through the removal of rock south and southwest of Vardy’s Rock, as well as a portion of Baldwin Rock. Dredged rock would be reused to repair and upgrade the existing Pikes Island Breakwater and to create an infill area at Pikes Island, which may support the development of new fish habitat in the outer harbour. Construction is anticipated to take approximately 12 months and is not expected to disrupt existing ferry operations.

• September 15, 2026 – The undertaking was registered.
• October 20, 2026 – Deadline for public comments.
• October 30, 2026 – The Minister’s decision is due.

Documents:

• Registration (8.1 MB)
  • Summary of Registration (54 KB)
  • Appendices
    • Appendix A – Preliminary Design Drawings (20 MB)
    • Appendix B – Hydrodynamic Modelling Reports (11.7 MB)
    • Appendix C – Bathymetry (1) (30.6 MB)
    • Appendix C – Bathymetry (2) (18.2 MB)
    • Appendix D – Sediment Report (16.3 MB)
    • Appendix E – UBHS Data (24.7 MB)
    • Appendix F – Fish and Fish Habitat Reports (15.4 MB)
    • Appendix G – AC-CDC Report (1.0 MB)
    • Appendix H – Geotechnical Report (3.5 MB)
    • Appendix I – Soil Sampling Program Report (13.2 MB)
    • Appendix J – Plant and Lichen Report (8.8 MB)
    • Appendix K – Wildlife Report (17 MB)
    • Appendix L – Marine Acoustic Assessment (7.5 MB)
• French version – Registration (1.2 MB)
  • Summary (FR) (332 KB)
  •  Appendices (FR)
    • Annexe A (20.5 MB)
    • Annexe B (12.5 MB)
    • Annexe C (1) (19.1 MB)
    • Annexe C (2) (18.1 MB)
    • Annexe D (27.6 MB)
    • Annexe E (22.0 MB)
    • Annexe F (11.4 MB)
    • Annexe G (1.2 MB)
    • Annexe H (4.2 MB)
    • Annexe I (15.0 MB)
    • Annexe J (11.2 MB)
    • Annexe K (20.4 MB)
    • Annexe L (30.2 MB)

Public Notices:

• Project Registered (13 KB)

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