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

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.

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

    • 275 Point Petre Road, Cherry Valley, Prince Edward County, (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

    90600

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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