Gap Filler Detail

1961 – National Archives of Canada


SECRET

S10-136-80/5 (CEP-3-3)

MEMORANDUM

2 May 61

DCEM

Reservation of Armco Steelox Components
Gap Filler Radar Stations

The Gap Filler Radar stations, which comprise two buildings, one the Radar building (28' x 48') and the other the Power and Accommodation building (28' x 36'), were designed on the basis of obtaining all standard Steelox components from 5SD or 711SD and special components from Armco through purchase by each site contractor.

There are 45 Gap Filler Radar stations, twenty-two (22) of which will be constructed in 1961 and twenty-three (23) in 1962. The attached Appendix "A" lists the two groups of stations from the west to the east to indicate their relative proximity to the two Supply Depots.

The standard specifications for both buildings contain two lists, one for material to be supplied by RCAF from stock and the other for material to be supplied by the Contractor from Armco. Armco are prepared to prefabricate the special components for 45 stations and issued them to each contractor when demanded.

From a review of the latest stock figures at the two Supply Depots as shown on Appendix "B", there is an insufficient quantity of 16 components (not counting specials) to erect 90 complete buildings. As a matter of fact, there are only sufficient components to erect complete buildings on 4 sites. The shortages can naturally be met in one of two methods: (a) prepurchase by RCAF for depot stock; and (b) purchase by 41 independent small contractors spread from the Manitoba border to the Atlantic coast from Armco. If the latter method is used, it will mean that specifications wil have to be amended for each individual site and each contractor will likely have to pay a higher price for individual orders.

Some of the shortages can be met by the Supply Depots carrying out preparatory work; for example:

  1. The 322 corner panels (S/S-129 1/4OC) could be formed from standard wall panels.

  2. The 326 panels 37-1/8" (S/S-12), 323 panels 42-7/16" (S/S15), 360 panels 26-7/16" (Specials) and 360 panels 31-3/4" (Specials) required for gable ends could be cut from standard wall panels.

  3. The 270 panels 63-1/8" and 18" (Specials), 360 panels 25-1/8" and 63" (Specials), 180 panels 25-3/8", 71-3/4", 31-1/8" and 40" (Specials) required for openings could be cut from standard wall panels.

It is requested that all components in the Supply Depots required for the 90 buildings to be built in 1961 and 1962 be now reserved as the purchase of shortages will become worse as the stock is reduced and the quantities required become larger. It is to be noted that these Gap Filler buildings have been designed around the old type components and would have to be substantially redesigned if new type components were to be used.

In addition to this general request for reservation, it is intended to advise DCEM of two specific dates, one the date on which the plans and specifications for each job are passed to DCL (or CMU) and the second, the date on which components will be accepted by each contractor (with name and shipping address). The first shipment of components will be required July 1961 and the last of this year in September.

(JW Griffith) G/C
DCEP
2-5777


SECRET

APPENDIX "A" to
S10-136-80/5 (CEP-3-3)
dated 2 May 61

GAP FILLER RADAR STATIONS
Listed from the West to the East

Projects to be issued in 1961

Atikokan, Ontario
Nipigon
Marathon
Eaglet River
Oba
Batchawana
Chapleau
Elliot Lake
Biscotasing
Timmins
Tobermory
Formosa Relocated
Nobel
Algonquin Park
Westport Relocated

Belleterre, Quebec
Lac St Marie
La Tuque
Nicolet

Todd Mountain, NB
Scotch Settlement Relocated

St Joseph, NS

Projects to be issued in 1962

Gold Rock, Ontario
Graham Relocated
Whitefish Lake
Manitouwadge
Island Falls
Gowganda
Mattawa
Lucknow
Sparta
Stoney Creek
Hastings

Taschereau, Quebec
Nishkotea Lake
Beaver Tower
L'Ascension
Lac Lauzon
L'Anse St Jean
St Adalbert
Squatteck

White Brooks, NB
Shemogue

Bridgetown, NS
Summerville Centre