History of the Station
In 1958, RCAF Station Chibougamau began its history. Initially, a rumour circulated that the Department of National Defence had the intention to build a radar station at Chibougamau in order to improve the NORAD surveillance network. The rumour intensified, suggesting an installation for the launching of nuclear missiles. Just imagine, Chibougamau being a nuclear installation! In the end, it was just a rumour, much to the relief of the population of Chibougamau!
There were two possible sites: Springer Mountain, at an altitude of 1,905 feet, situated 3 miles north of Chapais, and Bourbeau Mountain at a similar altitude, situated 4 miles from Chibougamau. On May 14th, 1958, the Minister of National Defence, MER Pearkes, confirmed the future radar construction on Bourbeau Mountain. The announcement was officially delivered to the people of Chibougamau by their Mayor, Godefroy De Billy, on October 17th, 1958.
The construction of station facilities began at the end of the summer of 1960 and was completed October 1st, 1962. One hundred and fourteen housing units were built by the Canada Car Company.
The first military detachment arrived on September 6th, 1961 to install the equipment necessary for the operations. On January 24th, 1962, the first Station Commander, Wing Commander Lacombe, signed the official Golden Book of the town of Chibougamau.