St. Sylvestre, QC

1961 – Development Program – National Archives of Canada

The Development Program
for
RCAF Station St. Sylvestre

Appendix "A"

Personnel Establishment

Appendix "B"

Index of Existing Accommodation

Appendix "C"

Proposed New Construction

Appendix "D"

Site Plan - as built

Appendix "E"

Site Plan - Proposed - Nil

INTRODUCTION

  1. The station was opened by the RCAF as 13 AC&W Squadron in 1953 and was originally known as RCAF Station St. Marie. A subsequent change in name to RCAF Station St. Sylvestre caused some confusion for a time.
  2. During the first two years it was used as a training station for Telecom and FtrCop personnel and did not become fully operational until September 1955. Since that time its role has remained unchanged.
  3. RCAF Station St. Sylvestre was a Group II Pinetree heavy radar until 12 Jun 61, which means that the essential services and operation was US financed but that manning and its associated costs were the responsibility of the Canadian Government.
  4. The station is located forty-five road mile sue south of Quebec City, and five miles South of the village of St. Sylvestre. Access is normally by Provincial Highways No. 5 and 9 to St. Gilles and thence through St. Patrice and St. Sylvestre. Summer road conditions are good, the road being paved with the exception of the last five miles into the station. Commercial bus runs are made daily to St. Sylvestre by the Nolin Bus Company leaving from the Provincial Transport Terminal in Quebec City. These roads during the Winter months, while not impassible, are very difficult at times due to the very high snow fall in this area.
  5. Railway facilities and Sidings are located at St. Agapit, twenty five miles by road, North West of this unit. Daily rail service is available through St. Agapit, and railway storage facilities there are adequate for normal RCAF requirements.
  6. RCAF Station St. Sylvestre was constructed during 1952 and 1953 and is comprised of permanent buildings.
  7. Operational responsibilities are that of a GCI Station, providing control by a CPS-6B heavy radar plus EW kit to both military and civilian aircraft. In late 1961 the CPS-6B will be replaced by an FPS-20 Long Range Radar and two FPS-6B height finders. The operational role of the Station is supported by adequate technical and administrative facilities. Normal recreational facilities are provided and 65 PMQs are available.

DEVELOPMENT

Condition of Buildings

  1. The Station buildings consist primarily of Steelox and wood frame construction, with the exception of the three storey poured concrete operations building. The structural condition and appearance of these buildings are all good. In addition four temporary buildings, used by the contractor in 1952 and 1953 for quarters and storage have been retained by the Station to supplement existing storage areas. These temporary buildings are in poor condition with a minimum maintenance program now in effect.
  2. Commercial power for the Station is supplied by Shawnigan Water & Power Company. This source is augmented by a power plant located in the operations building which directly supplies the operational requirements.

Siting

  1. Present siting of individual buildings has proven satisfactory.

 

 

APPENDIX "A" TO
ST. SYLVESTRE, PQ
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Personnel Establishment
RCAF Station St. Sylvestre

Officer Status

23

Airmen/Airwomen

259

Civilians

97

Total

379

 

APPENDIX "B" TO
ST. SYLVESTRE, PQ
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Inex of Existing Accommodation
Description and Recommendations

 

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

 

 

APPENDIX "C" TO
ST. SYLVESTRE, PQ
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Phased New Construction
and Maintenance Required
For Station Development

Existing Facilities

At present the primary deficiency on the Station is a lack of sufficient housing for the married personnel. Many families live in inadequate and substandard accommodation located in the adjacent villages of St. Sylvestre and St. Patrice.

New Construction and Major Maintenance Required

1

Erection of 25 PMQs with services scheduled for Summer of 1961.

2

Paving of 4 ½ mile access road from the unit to village of St. Sylvestre. The A/P is presently at AFHQ.

3

Construction of a three bay extension to the MSE garage. This is included in the 1961-1962 estimates.

4

Construction of an extension to Supply Section. This is included in 1961-1962 estimates.

5

Resurfacing of the roads to RX, TX and dam sites. This A/P is at AFHQ.

6

Resurfacing of the Station roads. This A/P is at AFHQ.

7

Construction and Erection of two 45’ flag poles to comply with new regulations.

8

Normal interior and exterior painting - (4 year cycle) of: -

(a) PMQs; (b) Exterior of Barrack Blocks and Combined Mess; (c) Interior of Operations Building.

9

Re-caulking of all expansion joints and cracks in exterior of Operations building.

10

Construction of a SAGE Annex building, scheduled for late 1961.

11

Construction of a TELCO building, scheduled for late 1961.

12

Construction of a GATR building, scheduled for late 1961.

13

Planting of trees on Station Grounds, scheduled for the Spring of 1962.