Resolution Island, NWT

1997 - Additional Details - Ren L'Ecuyer

Construction began in 1951. The station was supposed to be a self-contained, self-supporting unit that would operate on a continuous basis. One of the first installations built was at Resolution Island. This AC&W was a part of the Pinetree Line which was a back-up for the Arctic DEW Line Project -- which was built after the war years as an early warning system of attack on North America. Sites for an AC&W station had to be on the highest altitude possible to eliminate any type of surface interference with the delicate and sophisticated radar equipment. The station was built on a fair size acreage and all permanent buildings had to be constructed. Being in the far north required the capabilities to operate in more than extreme cold conditions. Because of its location, the station was subject to severe winds, excessive snow accumulations and extremely low temperatures. It was also necessary to include structures such as dormitories, shops, warehouses, dining halls, recreational buildings, as well as the operations centre. It was necessary to have inter-connections between all of the buildings.

--Ren L'Ecuyer