To support the Royal Canadian Navy’s new River-class destroyer and help bring it into service, the Department of National Defence (DND) is building a land-based test facility (LBTF) in Nova Scotia. “Having the right infrastructure in place to support a modern naval fleet is mission critical,” Defence Minister David J. McGuinty said in a DND news release. “This facility represents an important step in the River-class destroyer project.”
Construction on the LBTF in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia, began in November 2025, and its completion is expected in early 2028. The design progressed in tandem with that of the River-class destroyer because the complex required detailed specifications to support integration with the ship systems.
The complicated combat systems on the 15 planned River-class destroyers must be integrated and commissioned before being installed on the ships, the DND’s January 19 news release said. Though the LBTF is not a weapons testing facility, it is critical in testing those systems.
To stay on schedule as designs progressed, preparation began on the 10-hectare LBTF site in 2023. Laborers have finished work on roadway access, grading, tie-ins to municipal services, culvert installation, and excavation and backfilling ahead of foundation work, as well as concrete footings, foundations, retaining walls and elevator/stair shafts.
The complex will be completed by PCL Construction of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and should employ about 200 workers for the remainder of the 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,” McGuinty said. “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 has the longest coastline of any nation. The new River-class destroyer will allow the Canadian Armed Forces to continue protecting Canadian waters, contribute to international naval operations and address growing maritime security challenges.
Construction of the LBTF contributes to Canada’s commitment to meeting NATO defense spending targets, supporting economic growth, protecting Canadian sovereignty and strengthening the nation’s work with Allies, the news release said. While the LBTF is the first infrastructure project to support the River-class destroyers, more will be required, including jetties, warehouses, training facilities and more.
Irving Shipbuilding Inc. in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is the primary contractor building the River-class destroyers. The new fleet will upgrade and replace the capabilities of the current Halifax-class frigates and retired Iroquois-class destroyers.