Edgar, ON

1997 - General History - The NBC Group



RCAF Station Edgar (site C-4, callsign Cupid), located north of Barrie, was the first and southern most of the Pinetree Line radar stations. The first tenant at Edgar was No. 204 RCAF Radio Station, under authority of Air Force Headquarters (AFHQ) Organization Order #1003 (dated 6 May 1952). They became operational in the middle of September 1952. The following month, the unit was re-designated as 31 Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron with no changes to its function.

Originally formed at Scarborough Ontario as No. 5 ADCC, RCAF Station Edgar was home to No. 3 Air Defence Control Centre. This short lived unit (No. 5 ADCC) moved to Edgar as soon as accommodations became available. This move coincided with 31 AC&W being declared operational in mid June 1953. The centre was a bee-hive of activity. Besides being responsible for its own 31 AC&W Squadron, it had the added task of operational coordination of 32 AC&W Squadron, Foymount Ontario, 33 AC&W Squadron, Falconbridge Ontario, and 34 AC&W Squadron, Senneterre Quebec.

This station was unique because the radar squadron reported to one sector in another region, while it maintained control over a different sector in a different region.

In 1960, after a NORAD region re-organization, No. 3 ADCC received its NORAD designation of Ottawa NORAD Sector. In October 1961, 31 AC&W was SAGE-capable and began reporting to the Syracuse (Hancock Field New York) NORAD HQ. While, the Ottawa NORAD Sector's responsibilities increased in September 1962, when the Montreal Sector, at Lac St. Denis was closed.

In May 1963, Ottawa NORAD HQ Sector departed Edgar for RCAF Station North Bay and after another sector re-organization, 31 AC&W reported to the Detroit NORAD Sector. Like so many other stations Edgar was a victim of technology; in conjunction with the realignment of the North American Air Defence systems the government approved disbandment of a number of AC&W squadrons including Edgar. On 8 April 1964, Air Commodore AC :Chester" Hull DFC, CD, of ADHQ stood on the podium to review the station personnel during the Disbandment Parade.

In November 1964, RCAF Station Edgar was sold to the Provincial Government of Ontario for a mere $218,225. Since then, the one-time sentinel has been home to an occupational training facility for handicapped adults.

--The NBC Group - Don Nicks, John Bradley, Chris Charland.