In a landmark moment for Canada’s naval infrastructure, the newly renovated Jetty B at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt was officially unveiled on February 5, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing A/B Jetty Recapitalization Project. This state-of-the-art facility, part of a broader $1.1 billion initiative, promises to bolster the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) operational capabilities on the Pacific coast while ensuring resilience against modern environmental challenges.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by dignitaries including the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and overseer of the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, and Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the RCN, underscored the importance of this upgrade. The event featured a ceremonial welcome by the Naden Band, setting a proud tone for the occasion. “I’m thrilled to see the reopening of CFB Esquimalt’s B Jetty,” said Vice-Admiral Topshee. “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.”
Jetty B, originally constructed during the Second World War, had reached the end of its service life, unable to accommodate the larger, more advanced vessels of today’s RCN. The renovation, which began in 2020 following the demolition of the old structure in 2017, has transformed the jetty into a 270-meter-long, 26-meter-wide marine marvel. Built on 273 pipe piles anchored up to 100 meters into the bedrock and reinforced with heavy-duty concrete beams, the new Jetty B is designed to withstand seismic activity, rising sea levels, and even tsunamis—an essential consideration given its location on Canada’s west coast.
“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,” said Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence. “I am proud of the progress being made in continuing to grow our military capabilities.” The jetty’s completion supports Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, enabling CFB Esquimalt to berth new additions like the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships and Joint Support Ships, alongside visiting NATO vessels.
The project’s scale is impressive: the concrete poured for Jetty B could fill nine Olympic-sized swimming pools or blanket 26 NFL football fields to a depth of six inches. Beyond its structural feats, the renovation prioritized environmental sustainability. Construction was carried out with careful attention to Esquimalt Harbour’s ecosystem, including consultations with local First Nations to protect culturally significant marine areas. “CFB Esquimalt is the second largest military base in Canada, and the Defence Team members stationed here require the appropriate infrastructure to support their vital work,” added Minister Sajjan. “This investment reflects our commitment to modernizing the RCN and supporting the local economy.”
Economically, the Jetty B renovation has been a boon, creating nearly 1,300 jobs over its four-year construction period. These jobs will continue as work shifts to the adjacent Jetty A, ensuring that the RCN retains ample berthing space throughout the recapitalization process. The full A/B Jetty Project is slated for completion in 2031, promising even greater capacity for Canada’s Pacific Fleet.
For the community surrounding CFB Esquimalt, which contributes nearly $600 million annually to the local economy, the renovated Jetty B is more than just infrastructure—it’s a symbol of renewal and resilience. As Vice-Admiral Topshee noted, “This is not the end of infrastructure upgrades in HMC Dockyard.” With Jetty A’s construction already underway, the RCN is poised to meet the growing demands of maritime defence well into the future.