January 27, 2022, Halifax, Nova Scotia – The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) is preparing to begin infilling the basin between Piers A-1 and B at Ocean Terminals located in the Port of Halifax. This project is expected to start in May 2022.

We have identified a portion of Ocean Terminals that can be infilled as part of long-term planning. This is the basin between Pier A-1 and Pier B. Doing so will create a new location for the sequestration of pyritic slate generated from construction projects in downtown Halifax, thus reducing the number of truck loads and related greenhouse gas emissions associated with hauling slate to the Fairview Cove Sequestration Facility. This will also ensure efficient and safe terminal operations well into the future.

To properly prepare for these projects, Pier A-1 including Shed 33 and Shed 34 as well as the pier rail sidings will no longer be available for access to general cargo operations beginning in May 2022. We are working with common port users to provide them with available options so they can transition to other available areas within the Port of Halifax and minimize the impact on their business. There is alternate terminal and shed space available at Ocean Terminals and Richmond Terminals. We recognize this is inconvenient and we appreciate the patience and understanding of those who are affected.

The infilling is expected to take approximately three years to complete, although the timeframe will depend largely on local development and the volume of pyritic slate being generated by downtown construction projects. During that time, an estimated 500,000 cubic metres of infill material will be used, plus finishing material, to create an additional 3.2 hectares (approximately 8 acres) of yard space.

This project will occur within the existing footprint of industrial cargo operations. A Fisheries Act Authorization was granted in 2018 by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and habitat offsetting will be implemented. 260 artificial reefs, also known as reef balls, will be installed as a method of marine environmental remediation.

The completed project will improve overall efficiency and safety, which will lead to more environmentally sustainable operations overall.

About the Port of Halifax:

The Port of Halifax is Canada’s Ultra Atlantic Gateway, connecting to more than 150 countries. In 2020, the total impact of the Port of Halifax on the Province of Nova Scotia was over $3.6 billion in economic output with the direct portion being $2.3 billion. This level of activity generated over 18,775 jobs.

Offering a natural, deep harbour and big ship infrastructure, Halifax can accommodate large volumes of containerized cargo, breakbulk cargo, and project cargo of any size. Collaborating and working with strong partners and stakeholders, the Port community in Halifax continues to deliver excellence.

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Lane Farguson
Manager, Media Relations & Communications
Halifax Port Authority
Ph. (902) 426-7375
[email protected]