Format of Public Meeting
It was agreed that following a general outline of the committee background and goals and a presentation by Mr. Renaud that the chairman would list the nine proposals noted to date as possible replacement functions for the Lowther facility and then open the meeting for public suggestions and queries.
General Items
- It was agreed to forward a letter to the Minister of National Defence with a copy to Mr. Penner requesting an early reply from the department on any future plans for the Lowther facility and if not that no equipment or assets be removed until the committee has had an opportunity to assess the assets and methods of disposal.
- Councilor Trahan advised that he has been in contact with a consultant who is a former Hearst resident and who is in the economic development field on possible replacement uses. The consultant advised that there may be interest from sources in Japan which could be explored. The consultant would be prepared to meet with the committee at a later date.
- Captain Sauntry advised that the base would remain operational until April, 1987 as a radar facility and as such all of the existing resources will be required and will remain in place.
- It was agreed to hold the next meeting on Wednesday, November 13 at 7:00pm at CFS Lowther with the sub-committee to meet during the interim and report at the general meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30pm to relocate to the Civic Centre where a public meeting had been arranged.
Mr. D Gratton representing Honourable Rene Fontaine was present as well as seven citizens and four representatives of the media being Daily Press, Le Nord, Northern Times and CKAP.
Chairman Patterson outlined the functions of the committee and introduced the committee members.
Mr. Renaud detailed the federal role in the committee operation, its mandate and funding.
The chairman outlines the following nine suggestions which have been tabled to date:
Possible National Defence Uses
- A permanent site for armed forces winter exercises or any other exercises.
- A cold weather testing facility for armed forces equipment perhaps tied in with the two existing cold weather facilities located in Kapuskasing.
- A jumping off and service base for the North Warning System.
Possible other Federal Uses
- A minimum security jail.
- A satellite operation for Agriculture Canada tied into the experimental farm operation at Kapuskasing.
- A training centre for forestry related or other purposes.
Possible Provincial Uses
- A Northern Ontario Police College for the training of OPP and municipal police officers and any other security or law enforcement groups.
- A facility to house youthful offenders.
- A minimum security detention centre.