Clearview Township chosen as transmit and receive site for the Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar project

The Department of National Defence is exploring the first transmit and receive sites for the Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar project.

A large scale defence project is coming to Simcoe County.

As part of Canada’s plan to modernize the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the Department of National Defence is exploring the first transmit and receive sites for the Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) project.

On Thursday, a preliminary receive site in Clearview Township was revealed, offering over 288 hectares of agricultural land.

“A-OTHR which provides early warning radar coverage and threat tracking and will significantly expand NORAD and the CAF’s situational awareness of objects approaching and entering Canadian airspace from the North,” stated the Department of National Defence (DND).

In June 2022, the Minister of National Defence announced Canada’s plan to modernize its contribution to NORAD. This project is part of the country’s $38.6 billion plan.

According to the Department of National Defence, initial work is anticipated to begin at the Kawartha Lakes and Clearview Township sites in winter 2026.

“The selection of the first two sites sets the foundation for further development and expansion and is a major milestone toward reinforcing Canada’s security and sovereignty in the Arctic,” stated DND.

DND says it will launch a public engagement period to provide more information and allow the public to share feedback and ask questions.

“As a Canadian I have no problem with them bringing forward their projects as long as it’s working and providing that service that we all need,” said Clearview Township Mayor Doug Measures.

Up to four permanent sites will be required for the system’s final two transmit and two receive locations. DND says it is currently exploring possible siting locations in southern Ontario.

“These lands will be occupied now by antenna systems that will be used for receiving. That’s a major impact to us. It’s really unknown as to what the actual impact as far as economically to us will be,” continued Measures.

Over-the-horizon radar can conduct surveillance at far greater ranges than regular radar technology by bouncing radar beams off earth’s ionosphere. DND plans to conduct several environmental and site studies before beginning work.

The A-OTHR project could reach initial operational capability by the end of 2029.