Department of National Defence (DND) NORAD A-OTHR (Arctic Over the Horizon Radar) Project at Military Aeronautical Communications System (MACS) Carrying Place

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.

Latest update

July 3, 2026 - The authorities intend to make a determination regarding whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, the authorities are  inviting public comments until August 2, 2026 respecting that determination.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
1 Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination - July 3, 2026

Contacts

Irv Marucelj
Department of National Defence
Irv Marucelj, Project Manager, NORAD Modernization Infrastructure Project Delivery
NDHQ - 101 Colonel By Dr
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2
Email: NORAD_CI-IC_NORAD@forces.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • 21124 Loyalist Parkway in Carrying Place (Ontario)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Building and Property Development
    • Defense and Security

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2026-07-03

  • Proponent

    Department of National Defence

  • Authorities

    • Department of National Defence
    • Environment and Climate Change Canada

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    90599

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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