Senneterre, QC

Phase I – The Construction – 1950 – 1953

On August 15, 1950, Atlas Construction Limited began the construction of an RCAF Station on Mount Bell, near the town of Senneterre, PQ. The unit became operational on the 1^st of June 1953 as a manual ground control intercept station with the role to search, identify and if necessary destroy hostile aircraft. RCAF Station Senneterre was part of the Pinetree Line of radars constructed under the Canada-US North American Air Defence (NORAD) agreement.

The station is situated two miles southeast of the town, at the south end of beautiful Lac Parent. It is an extremely picturesque area with an abundance of good fishing and moose hunting. The town of Senneterre is on the periphery of a rich mining area to the west and north. It is a pleasant and hospitable community.

The lumber industry is the largest employer in the area, followed closely by the Canadian National Railways repair shops.

Phase II - The Modifications – 1953 to 1960

During this period, the original equipments )AN/FPS-3 search radar and ISG-98 height finder radars) were replaced by newer, more accurate radars. The radomes that were originally made of rubber and inflated were now made of fiberglass and rigid.

The modification phase also marked the beginning of a long and friendly relationship between the military authorities and city representatives of Senneterre. This mutual understanding has lasted to this date for the benefit of both parties involved.

Phase III – SAGE – 1960-1967

Construction of the SAGE Annex and the Ground-to-Air Transmitter Receiver (GATR) site took place between 1960 and 1962. The plotting boards and the female plotters were replaced by a Digital Data Processor (AN/FST-2) that sent the radar data to North Bay via the ADCOM II communications system. There, the Direction Center took over the surveillance, identification and control functions. RCAF Station Senneterre kept a control capability and became 34 Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (34 AC&W Squadron).

Phase IV – BUIC III – 1967 – 1972

In 1967 began the installation of the AN/GYK-19 computer that would allow Senneterre to take over the control of half of the 22^nd NORAD Region should North Bay become unable to perform this function. Senneterre also became the Alternate Command Post (ALCOP) for the Region. CFS Senneterre became the first BUIC III Site to be operational in North America on 1 December 1968. When controlling the air battle, the Station’s official call sign was "Mother Goose". In addition, during this period, the Digital Data Processor was replaced by a Common Digitizer (AN/FYQ-47) which was more modern and easier to maintain.

It was during this period that the construction of CFS Senneterre Community Center including Curling Rink and Ski chalet was undertaken to be completed for the official opening by MGen Lipton, Commander Air Defence Command on 7 May 1971.

Phase V – Long Range Radar – 1973-1978

In 1973, the BUIC III and ALCOP roles were cancelled and CFS Senneterre became an ordinary Long Range Radar site, still part of the Continental Pinetree Line. Personnel strength was reduced from a high of 255 to 130 throughout the summer of 1973. Moreover, by July 1974, all BUIC computers and related equipments had been removed and returned to the US.

In 1978, CFS Senneterre answers to three different military organizations: Air Defence Group and NOARD for Air Defence operations and to Air Command in matters of support services.

When CFS Val d’Or closed in 1976, CFS Senneterre was assigned Search and Rescue operations for the north western Quebec area, the role of Cadet Corps Liaison Unit for the same territory and also to ensure a military presence in the Abitibi-Temiscamingue.

Social activities at CFS Senneterre were organized as early as 1953. In addition to the social gatherings organized by the various messes, the Station Community Council complemented in ensuring that every military member posted to Senneterre had a pleasant stay. As far as Youth is concerned, many activities were established in order to induce good citizenship from our children.

Curling at RCAF Station Senneterre began on natural ice where the present mobile homes are situated. This sport was not restricted only to military personnel but also included the participation of citizens of the local community. CFS Senneterre curling club belongs to the north western Quebec Curling Association and holds both regional and local bonspiels for Men’s, Women’s and Mixed categories.

Softball was one of the first group sports ever organized on the Station. In the early days, our teams competed against those of RCAF Station Parent until the latter was disbanded in the early 60s. Later on, our teams were integrated to the social league of the city of Senneterre. The station has, in addition, participated in many regional championships and was also the first radar station to ever participate in the National Canadian Forces championships in 1977.

Winter Carnivals at CFS Senneterre started in 1956. They were jointly organized with RCAF Station Parent. The teams, in the early times, were divided by military sections from both stations.

In the early 60s, Water Carnivals were introduced whereby all activities took place in the station pool. Eventually, these were combined with indoor and outdoor events to create today’s winter carnivals.

Thus the 25^th Anniversary Winter Carnival included the following events: parade through PMQs, official opening by city officials, indoor and outdoor games, skits, barbershop quartets and closing dance.

This information was extracted from the Canadian Forces Station Senneterre 1953-1978 Anniversary Album. The Album was made available to the Pinetree Line web site by Beth Yuill (now Money) in March 1999.