Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination
Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Infrastructure Project - 19 Wing Comox

July 17, 2024 — The Department of National Defence must decide whether the proposed project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this decision, the Department of National Defence is inviting comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment. All comments received will be considered public. For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website.

Written comments must be submitted by August 5, 2024 to:
Monica Aggarwal, Project Manager
Mailing Address:  NDHQ - 101 Colonel By Dr
Ottawa, Canada, K1A 0K2
E-mail:  Monica.Aggarwal@forces.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

The Department of National Defence (DND) has proposed a project. The Project is to support the establishment of the Secondary Operating Base at Canadian Forces Base Comox. The Project will house three Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) fully assembled, ready for operations configuration.

The Project will involve construction of a hangar including: three (3) maintenance / storage bays, maintenance shops, and administrative areas to support the operation and maintenance of the remotely piloted aircraft. The hangar will have an estimated overall gross space of 6000m². In addition, the Project is to include approximately 11,000m² of ramp and outside parking area for the aircraft, and approximately 650m² of personnel parking and pedestrian circulation. Construction of the Project will include site trenching for utility connections (water, sewer, storm, communications, and electrical), stripping and removing topsoil, and partial demolition of the existing paved (asphalt and concrete) apron.