Construction has commenced on a Land-Based Test Facility (LBTF) at Hartlen Point in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia, to support the introduction and lifecycle of the Royal Canadian Navy’s new River-class destroyers.
The Department of National Defence (DND) is overseeing the project, which began in November 2025 and is projected to be completed in early 2028.
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PCL Construction, based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, is carrying out the construction, with an estimated 200 jobs expected to be maintained throughout the duration.
The LBTF will play a key role in testing the complex combat systems of the River-class destroyers before their installation on vessels. Its primary function is to support combat systems integration for the fleet.
The facility’s design aligned with the destroyers’specifications to ensure compatibility with shipboard systems.
Site preparation started in 2023 to align with advancing ship and facility designs, allowing preliminary works such as roadway construction, grading, municipal service extension, culvert placement, excavation, backfilling, and concrete work for structural elements to proceed.
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By GlobalDataThis approach aimed to facilitate a smooth transition into full-scale construction and maintain the overall delivery schedule for the project.
The LBTF site covers approximately 10 hectares and includes infrastructure for access roads, security clearances beyond the perimeter, and stormwater management through an outfall control trench.
Plans detail a main building covering 12,567m2 across two levels and a topside area of about 9,100m2.
The facility will also feature a 32m2 gatehouse and a 271m2 guardhouse.
Canada National Defence Minister David J. McGuinty said: “Having the right infrastructure in place to support a modern naval fleet is mission critical. This facility represents an important step in the River-class destroyer project. Once completed, it will play a vital role in bringing the new ships into service and preparing our personnel to work with the incoming ship systems.
“Beginning construction on this testing facility is another step forward in providing our Canadian Armed Forces with the capabilities required to protect Canada’s sovereignty.
Canada is acquiring 15 new River-class destroyers to replace its ageing Halifax-class frigates and retired Iroquois-class destroyers.
In July 2024, Canada began producing the production test module (PTM) for the destroyer fleet with the assistance of Irving Shipbuilding.
Irving Shipbuilding was awarded a C$8bn ($5.7bn) implementation contract by the Canadian government for the construction of the destroyers in March 2025.
