Lowther, ON

File 1325-1
28 Oct 83

The year at Lowther has been one of many changes and improvements. Between 1 July 82 and 31 Jul 83, a number of projects were undertaken and completed to improve the living conditions here at Lowther.

First of all, on 8 July 83 Lt. Col. CC Leblanc formally handed over Command of CFS Lowther to Major VM Furney.

Also in the months of July and August, the CE Section on the station was very busy. First there was the station-wide conversion to natural gas from the more costly diesel. Secondly, there was an overall repair to the station roads, which included patching and resurfacing. Then a number of the buildings on the station underwent a major re-roofing. The buildings included FPS-27 Tower, the Operations building, DMCC, GATR and Teen Town.

During the month of September, a number of entrance vestibules were constructed for energy conservation. The JRC, Supply and the Officer’s Mess were recipients of these vestibules.

In the months of October, November and December, numerous projects were undertaken. There was an extension to the Birchwood Trailer Park. The construction of two serviced pads and the installation of two new 14’ x 70’ MHMQs (which Aircom purchased in March 82) was completed. Repairs were made to manholes which reduced infiltration into the sewage system. A new deep well was drilled, which increased the water production capacity over 75%. Also, a TV studio and programming started its initial phases. Since then it has grown to be one of the station’s greatest pride and joy. A new cable TV system network was installed to all the trailers and barrack blocks enabling a greater number of channels to be received. A new ice machine for the curling rink was installed in December. Also in December, 429 Squadron made a special trip to Kapuskasing to pick up station personnel to take to Winnipeg and back to Kapuskasing for a couple of days of Christmas shopping.

In the winter months of January and February, CFS Lowther saw an addition to its TV network. TV Ontario granted us a satellite dish which enables us to receive more channels in this TV/radio communication void. The Operations Theatre also underwent renovation. New seats, new carpeting, a new floor and a new ceiling were installed.

Springtime at Lowther arrived a little late, but that didn’t slow progress down. New windows were installed in the main guard house. In addition to that, barriers were erected and a STOP/GO light, to complete the new change. In the month of May, CFS Lowther acquired new furniture to augment the existing furniture. In June, a 6’ high charge linked fence was erected around the POL storage.

In the summer months, the Officer’s Mess saw its primary steps of renovation. A new refrigerator and ice maker was purchased in addition to the refurbishing of the games.

Here at CFS Lowther, we have also hosted a number of VIP visitors. To name a few, BGen Stewart, Deputy Commander of 21^st NORAD Region was here on 24 June 82. Also MGen Paisley, the new Commander of Fighter Group was here on his familiarization visit on 20 August 82. In addition to that, BGen Simpson was here on 24 Feb 83, and also BGen Alleslev paid us a visit on 21 April 83.