Sioux Lookout, ON

1980 - CFS Sioux Lookout - Information Booklet

Orientation

Role

CFS Sioux Lookout is one of the prime long range heavy radars on the Pinetree Line of Defence. An Air Defence Group Station within Air Command, it is operationally responsible to the Commanding General at 23rd NORAD Region, Duluth Minnesota. The station performs the functions of a NORAD Surveillance Site and is fully SAGE-tied to its Region Direction Centre at Duluth.

History

In 1954, the USAF established the 915th AC&W Squadron at Sioux Lookout. Under a Canadian/United States agreement in June 1961, financing became an RCAF responsibility and the RCAF took command of the station in October 1962.

The station has been known variously as RCAF Station Sioux Lookout, 39 Radar Squadron, and Site Charlie 16. Currently we remain as Canadian Forces Station Sioux Lookout, Sam Lake, Ontario.

How to Get to Sioux Lookout

CFS Sioux Lookout is located 69 kilometers north of the junction of Ontario Highway 72 and the Trans-Canada Highway (Ontario Highway 17). The highways merge at Dinorwic, Ontario, about halfway between Winnipeg, Manitoba and Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Follow Highway 72 north from Dinorwic for 61 kilometers to the junction of highway 664. Turn left along Highway 664 toward Hudson, Approximately 5 kilometers from the junction is the turn-off north toward the station. Both the turn off at the junction of Highways 72 and 664, and the turn-off from Highway 664 are marked with standard signs CF Radar Station.

All roads are kept in good condition throughout the winter months, but care should be taken. Watch for moose, deer and bear on your way to the station.

The town of Sioux Lookout is located on the main CNR Trans-Continental line. It is just 6 kilometers east of the station but because of intervening lakes, the road distance is 19 kilometers. Motor transport is not available after normal working hours. Personnel arriving after normal working hours may claim taxi fare from the town to the station. Sioux Lookout is not served by regular commercial air carrier but, weather permitting, Austin Airways connects with Nordair jet service through Dryden from either Winnipeg or Toronto.

Station Facilities

Trailer Parks

The station maintains fifty-nine Public Mobile Homes -- (PMHs) -- which are located at Pinetree Park in the town of Sioux Lookout. There are two commercially operated parks close to town that accept privately-owned trailers. (POTs)

Theatre

The station receives three full length movies from the Canadian Forces Movie Guild weekly; these are shown in the various messes.

Post Office

Postal service is available through the Post Office located in Barrack Block No. 7. Hours of operation are: Monday to Friday 09:30 to 12:15 and 12:45 to 14:30; Saturday 09:00 to 12:00. Postal address is: CFS Sioux Lookout, Sam Lake, Ontario, P0V 2R0

Library

A Station Library of 2,000 books is located in Barrack Block No. 7. The hours of operation are: 12:00 to 13:00 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Station Exchange

The Station Exchange is located in Barrack Block No. 7. It is a CANEX outlet and carries a varied line of fishing gear, outdoorsman wear, jewelry, clothing, household items and many other useful articles. Large items such as radios, TVs, washing machines, etc., may be ordered through the Exchange. A mini-expressmart is located in Pinetree Park as well.

Messes

Messes for Officers, Warrant Officers and Sergeants, and Junior Ranks are provided on the station.

Medical Care

Trained medical personnel are available on the station during normal working hours. Sick parade is from 08:30 hours to 09:30 hours daily for Service personnel.

Dental Care

A Service dentist visits the station every four months. The nearest civilian dentist is located in the town of Sioux Lookout 19 kilometers away.

Gas Pumps

Gasoline and lubricants may be purchased on the station. The gas pumps dispense both Shell unleaded and regular.

Laundry and Dry Cleaning

Pick-up and delivery of laundry and dry cleaning is available weekly on the station.

Newspapers

The Winnipeg Free Press and Winnipeg Tribune are delivered daily to Pinetree Park and a day late to the station.

Movement of Furniture and Effects

Personnel posted to CFS Sioux Lookout should be made aware of the contents of CFAO 20-40 and CFAO 209-43 Section 5.

Annex A to 7209-84(DCBA) dated 15 March 1978 does not impose a weight restriction to personnel posted to CFS Sioux Lookout and allotted a Public furnished mobile home.

Members are cautioned to make themselves familiar with the PMH checklist provided in this booklet and only bring items of F&E which are required. Storage space is very limited and under no circumstances will storage be authorized at Public expense at this station.

Isolation Allowance

QR&O 205.40 authorizes members posted to CFS Sioux Lookout isolation allowance monthly as follows:

a. single member living on station $61.00
b. single member living off station $80.00
c. married member living on station receiving separated family allowance $61.00
d. married member living in PMHs $102.00
e. married member living on economy $133.00

Rates are subject to change.

Tour Length

Sioux Lookout is an isolated located and the tour lengths are three years and two years for married and single personnel respectively. Local accommodation is limited and generally substandard.

Transportation

The CNR Station is located in the heart of town and although there is no commercial transportation in the area, taxis are available ($10.00 one way to the station). The station provides bus transportation to and from town for shift changes and has a regular schedule during the normal work week.

Private Motor Vehicles

Persons may use DND roads providing they comply with station regulations as follows: carry PL and PD insurance at all times, which is also a must to obtain an Ontario license, and obtain a vehicle decal from the Military Police.

Personnel using DND roads are reminded that the speed limit on CFS Sioux Lookout is 25 KPH, PMW area is 15 KPH.

A safety check of all cars brought into Ontario is required, and proof of the check must be presented to the license bureau before plates will be issued. This safety check must be done in Ontario and at the present time costs about $20.00

Seat belts must be worn at all times when driving in Ontario.

Telephone Access

Station phone numbers are: Area Code 807; Station 737-1500 - Autovon 567-5011

Social Welfare Services

A social worker from the RSWO office in Winnipeg visits the station on an as required basis. Appointments and interviews are processed through the CAdO.

Recreational Facilities and Clubs

The station has numerous facilities and clubs available to you and your dependants.

Facilities

  1. Gymnasium - the gymnasium is a relatively new building, completed in 1974, which holds three badminton courts, one volleyball court or one basketball court with lockets and changing areas.

  2. Sauna/Mini-Gym - located across from the gymnasium is a sauna constructed in 1978/79 with showers and change rooms. In the same building a mini-gym with universal weightlifting machine and individual weights will be completed in 1980/81.

  3. Bowling Alley - the bowling alley is located in the basement of the Junior Ranks Mess and consists of a two-lane, five-pin alley with automatic pinsetters. The station has an active mixed bowling league which operates from October to May.

  4. Curling Club - consists of a three-sheet curling rink which is well used during the winter months.

  5. Cross Country Ski Course - the station has a championship cross country ski course consisting of a 5 km and a 3 km trail. These are located behind the curling club.

Station Clubs

  1. Curling Club - when active, the curling club has a mixed, ladies and mens league operating during the winter months in addition to hosting the famed Radar Open and Heartspiel.

  2. Fish and Game Club - the Fish and Game Club is active all year round and controls the station boats and motors which are available to Servicemen for rental during the summer months.

  3. Photography Club - this club has been active since 1978 and is always looking for interested camera buffs. Their developing room is located upstairs in the CAXEX building.

  4. Auto Club - located in the lower bays next to the station Fire Hall, it is fully equipped to facilitate the amateur mechanic for a token membership fee of $5.00. Wood Hobby Shop - this shop is located next to the 101 Tower at the Operations Site and has excellent equipment to facilitate the amateur or professional carpenter.

  5. Snowmobile Club - the station snowmobile club was founded in 1977. The club has its own club house located on Sioux Mountain, north of the station and is an excellent meeting place and headquarters for the many events held during the winter months. Equipped with a fireplace, it makes for a cozy environment.

There are many more recreational facilities too numerous to mention in detail such as the Joggers Club, Ski Club, Skeet Club, Badminton Club, Ladies Fitness and many more. Upon arrival in Sioux Lookout, contact the PE&RT staff for further information. They will be glad to assist you.

Town of Sioux Lookout

Facilities

General

The town of Sioux Lookout, with a population of just over 3,000, is situated on the shore of Pelican Lake, part of the English River System. Sioux Lookout was established in 1912 primarily as a railroad division point. Between world wars, Sioux Lookout and Hudson boomed as bush flying bases for mining areas at Red Lake and Pickle Crow. Today the town has a diversity of interests: the CNR is still a major employer. Three air services serve the tourist industry and link the many isolated northern communities as far north as Hudsons Bay. As well as the Radar Station, the Federal Government has a large Zone Hospital serving the north and federal employees, including military. The Provincial Government has a large Ministry of Natural Resources headquarters here. New roads are serving increased mining developments and forest product industries in the region.

Housing

Available civilian accommodation in the local area is very limited and somewhat substandard. There are approximately 30 Service families living in rented accommodation at the present time. A few suites or houses, which are very expensive, are available for small families with one or two children.

Medical Care

Servicemen and dependants have access to the services provided by the Zone Hospital (National Health and Welfare) situated in the town. In addition, there is a 42-bed hospital served by two physicians. A modern Well Baby Clinic is open 13:00 hours to 16:30 hours, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday - Saturday 09:00 hours to 11:00 hours.

Schools

Schooling, both Separate and Public, is available from Kindergarten to Ontario grade 13.

Shopping Facilities

There are specialty shops, hardware stores, grocery stores, garages, drug store, jewelry store and dry cleaners in the town. Simpsons-Sears maintains an order office. The Bay has a two-story store for shopping convenience. Prices in the town are generally slightly higher than in large towns and cities. The town also has a LCBO and a Brewers Retail outlet.

Banks

The Bank of Montreal, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and the Dryden Credit Union have branches in town.

Lodges and Clubs

The following lodges and clubs are active in town: Masons, Rotary, Lions, Knights of Columbus, Moose, Shriners, Canadian Legion, Boy Scout Troops, Cub Packs, Girl Guides and Brownies.

Library

The town has a well-stocked library for all tastes including a large childrens section. The library houses a museum and features artifacts and history of the area. There is no cost for membership.

Hotels and Motels

There are three hotels and four motels in town. There are many lodges and camps in the area, nearly all of which are fully booked up during the tourist season.

Churches

There are several churches in town comprising Roman Catholic, Anglican, United, Lutheran and Baptist congregations. Transportation is available to and from the station on Sundays. The station is served by a priest and a minister from the town of Sioux Lookout. Visits are made on an as required basis.

Job Opportunities

Many personnel in town are transients much like ourselves. This makes for frequent availability of jobs such as nurses, storekeepers, bank clerks, food services and secretaries. Rates of pay are quite variable however, they are considered to be good for the region.

Town Recreational Facilities

The Sioux Lookout area is considered to be a sportsmans paradise. The deer and moose hunting season opens in October offering some of the best hunting of this type in Canada. Ducks, geese and grouse are also hunted in season. A special license may be purchased to hunt bear and wolf. For the fisherman there is an excellent opportunity to make use of the many lakes in the area to do battle with Northern Pike, Pickerel, Lake Trout and Muskallenge. Ice fishing is popular during the winter months. Snowmobiling has become a popular winter sport in the area.

The following facilities are available in town: a nine hole golf course with sand greens; a four sheet curling rink; and an arena with artificial ice, which is used extensively during the winter for minor hockey and figure skating. Local service clubs maintain a number of beaches in the area. Radio and television services are provided by the CBC; a community radio operates through CBC transmitters on a limited basis. A civilian power toboggan club is established in town and the sport has attracted many enthusiasts. A new sports field has recently been completed and Queen Elizabeth High School boasts a large gymnasium and outdoor track. Cedar Bay, a municipally-owned recreational resort consisting of five log cabins (available for rent) and a main lodge, is active both summer and winter for swimming, sailing, canoeing, hiking, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and camping. There are many courses available to you and your dependants in such areas as academics, pottery, sewing, macram‚ and more. The Physical Education and Recreation Training Staff on the station can assist you with any inquiries with regard to facilities or activities in the town of Sioux Lookout; dont hesitate to call local 350.

--This booklet was donated by Tom Page for insertion into the Pinetree Line web site.