Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination
Department of National Defence (DND) NORAD A-OTHR (Arctic Over the Horizon Radar) Project at Military Aeronautical Communications System (MACS) Carrying Place

July 3, 2026 — The authorities must decide whether the proposed project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this decision, the authorities are 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 2, 2026 to:
Irv Marucelj, Project Manager, NORAD Modernization Infrastructure Project Delivery
Mailing Address:  NDHQ - 101 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa
Ontario, Canada, K1A 0K2
E-mail:  NORAD_CI-IC_NORAD@forces.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

The Department of National Defence (DND) is proposing a project. DND is undertaking radar installations in the form of to calibrate and validate over-the-horizon radar technology for use in Canada. The DND Property covers an area of approximately 20 ha. It consists primarily of an open mowed grass field with seven communication antennae present. There is a paved road leading to a fenced compound where a two-story receiver building is located, just west of the center of the property. There is a small concrete block outbuilding, reportedly used as a shed, adjacent to the south of the receiver building. There are two above ground fuel storage tanks (AST) located on the Project Site. There is a stand of trees that is not being disturbed. The Project Site is accessible from Loyalist Parkway. Development at the site will focus on installation of receive monopoles, consistent with this installation. Land preparation is minimal as the site is a developed and active antenna receive site. Preparation will include minimal flattening removal of previous concrete antenna anchors and a few shrubs. The construction footprint of the Project is approximately 3.25 ha.
While specific infrastructure needs are being finalized, the Arctic Over the Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) system will require supporting infrastructure at each site (these are existing onsite):

• Receive antenna monopoles;
• Temporary Sea container to house equipment;
• Physical security features;
• Utilities (power & communications).

The anticipated project start date for site preparation is: August 2026.
The anticipated in-service date (operations) is: tentatively December 2026.