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) Point Petre

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 65 ha immediately north of the shore of Lake Ontario. The natural environment at the Property consists of cultural meadow, landscape lawn, alvar type communities, wetlands and the beach along the shoreline. The Project Site is accessible from Point Petre Road. Development at the site will focus on installation of 2 transmitting antennas consistent with the development of the property. Land preparation is minimal as it has been cleared and prepared decades ago and actively maintained. The construction footprint of the Project is approximately 11.3 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):

• Temporary building (sea container) to house equipment;
• Physical security features;
• Access road; and;
• Utilities (power & communications).

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