Halifax port expanding terminals

The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) will fill in a basin to create additional space for land-based storage.

The space between Piers A-1 and B at Ocean Terminals will be filled, starting in May 2022. An estimated 500,000 cubic metres of infill material will be used to create an additional 3.2 hectares (approximately eight acres) of yard space.

The newly created land 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.

The construction will mean that 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. Pier A1 also includes four ship berths.

The port says it will work with customers to find alternatives to these facilities at Ocean Terminals and Richmond Terminals.

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.

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. The port will install 260 artificial reefs, also known as reef balls, as a method of marine environmental remediation.