Welcome
An Introduction to this virtual exhibit
Russian TU-95 Bear being escorted by a CF-101 Voodoo. (DND Photo)
In the 1950s, as the Cold War and the threat of airborne nuclear attack on North America developed, it was clear that Canada, located between the Soviet and American superpowers, would become the front lines of any attack. Defending against any intrusion into Canadian airspace was the best way to guard against the possibility of Soviet bomber aircraft, and this was done by building dozens of radar stations across the country, creating three different ‘fences’ of radar coverage from coast to coast.
For these radar stations to be effective, their locations were carefully and scientifically chosen based on topography and relative distance from other radar stations. The radar needed to be able to see approximately 320 km (200 miles), thus requiring either a high altitude or wide open spaces. Some stations were fortunate to be located near existing communities, however many would need to be carved out of the Canadian wilderness.
Life at a radar station, like any other military posting, was influenced by many factors, such as its location, proximity to surrounding communities, geography and weather, but each also had its own unique community flavour. This virtual exhibit will explore some of the stories of life at these often remote or isolated radar stations, showcasing the unique experiences of the Air Defence Technicians, supporting Logistics and Engineering personnel, civilian contractors, and their families.
While radar sites were comparatively smaller than most military installations, they were nonetheless relatively self-contained close-knit communities, starting their own sports teams, hobby clubs, children’s groups, schools, festivals, holiday events and recreation centres.
General view of the three radar lines in Canada. (MC&E Museum/PinetreeLine.Org)
From a 1978 report about Canadian Forces Station Alsask, the author writes that “there existed, and through tradition and effort there remains, a sense of duty in the…military community – a unity founded on the basic requirement of not just to co-exist but to cooperate and provide mutual support in making a tour at this outpost an interesting challenge, an enjoyable lifestyle and a satisfying accomplishment…”.
RCAF Station Lowther, Ontario. (DND Photo: PCN-4656)
CFMAD appreciates the co-operation of the Military Communications and Electronics Museum (Kingston) who maintain www.PinetreeLine.org, and Brian Jeffrey of www.DEWLine.ca and on behalf of Larry Wilson and lswilson.dewlineadventures.com for granting permission to use stories and images from their websites for this virtual exhibit. Credits for these sites are noted on individual photographs and stories.