Construction begins on Naval Test Facility at Hartlen Point

The Department of National Defence began construction last fall on a new Land-Based Test Facility at Hartlen Point in Eastern Passage to support the Royal Canadian Navy’s future River-class destroyers.

Construction started in November 2025 and is expected to be completed in early 2028. The project is being carried out by PCL Construction of Dartmouth and is expected to support about 200 jobs over the life of the build.

The facility will be used to test and integrate combat systems for the River-class destroyers before the ships enter service, helping ensure the vessels are operationally ready throughout their lifecycle. The design of the test facility was developed alongside the design of the new warships, requiring detailed ship specifications.

To keep the project on schedule, preliminary site preparation began in 2023. Work completed so far includes road access, grading, extension of municipal services, culvert installation, excavation and backfilling, as well as construction of footings, foundations, retaining walls, and elevator and stair shafts.

National Defence said the new destroyers will strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces’ ability to protect Canadian waters, contribute to international naval operations, and respond to evolving maritime security challenges.

The project also supports Canada’s commitments to NATO defence spending targets, while contributing to economic growth, national sovereignty, and cooperation with allied forces.