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Accomplishments in modern hydrography and charting under Canada's Oceans Protection Plan

Hydrographic surveys and nautical charts are vital to mariners, Indigenous peoples and coastal communities, who depend on marine safety and a healthy aquatic environment to make a living and to navigate in Canadian waters.

Data collected through hydrographic surveys, such as depths, water levels and tides, are fundamental to the development of accurate and up-to-date nautical products, such as charts, which help to promote safe marine transportation.

Since early 2018, the Canadian Hydrographic Service has had major successes in accelerating the pace of hydrographic surveys and charting under Canada's Oceans Protection Plan. The plan is creating a world-leading marine safety system that provides economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coastlines and waterways for generations to come.

Under the Oceans Protection Plan, the Government of Canada is investing almost $110 million over five years to deliver modern hydrography and charting in key areas across the country, including 23 high-traffic ports and waterways, while rapidly filling gaps in hydrographic data – particularly in Arctic and nearshore areas – that once had limited or out-of-date navigational data.

The investment is allowing CHS to gather enhanced bathymetric data from critical areas across the country, deliver better hydrographic services and provide faster updates of navigational information.

To name just a few accomplishments and improved capabilities, the investment has enabled CHS to:

These innovations and accomplishments are helping to fulfil a primary goal of the Oceans Protection Plan – to make marine navigation safer and reduce the risk of maritime accidents in Canadian waters. This heightened scientific knowledge is allowing CHS to create high-resolution representations of the depth, shape and structure of Canada's oceans, lakes and rivers, helping us better protect aquatic environments.

Hydrographic surveying and nautical charting have been completed, are in progress or are planned for the following high-priority ports:

Surveying and charting of high-priority ports
British Columbia Surveys
Port Alberni 2017-18: Completed
Prince Rupert 2017-18: Completed
Stewart 2017-18: Completed
Vancouver (English Bay) 2017-18: Completed
Squamish 2019-20: Completed
Port McNeill 2018-19: Completed
Nanaimo Harbour 2018-19: Completed
Deltaport 2018-19: Completed
Chemainus 2019-20: Completed
Campbell River 2019-20: Completed
Crofton 2019-20: Completed
Esquimalt 2020-21: Completed
Victoria Harbour 2020-21: In progress
Quebec Surveys
Îles-de-la-Madeleine 2017-18: Completed
Havre-Saint-Pierre 2017-18: Completed
Port-Alfred (La Baie) 2017-18: Completed
Port-Cartier 2017-18: Completed
Sept-Îles (Pointe-Noire) 2018-19: Completed
Baie-Comeau 2018-19: Completed
Trois-Rivières 2018-19: Completed
New Brunswick Surveys
Saint John 2020-21: Planned
Nova Scotia Surveys
Port Hawkesbury 2020-21: Planned
Prince Edward Island Surveys
Charlottetown 2018-19: Completed
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