Western Sites
RCAF

National Archives of Canada

10-32 (Eng 2)

A REPORT ON VISITS TO WESTERN SITES
BY A/C RB WHITING AND STAFF
19 - 28 NOV 62

GENERAL

1. CCE visited the following sites on the dates noted:

   Stn Comox	21 Nov
   Begg Bldg, Victoria	22 Nov
   Stn Vancouver (Sea Island)	22 Nov
   Stn Vancouver (Kitsilano Detach)	23 Nov
   Stn Calgary (Lincoln Park)	25 Nov
   Stn Cold Lake	26 Nov
   Stn Namao	26 Nov
   Stn Portage la Prairie	27 Nov
   MacDonald, Man	27 Nov
   Stn Gimli	27, 28

   S/L JR Rundle, D Eng C/Eng 2, preceded CCE to Comox on 18 Nov and accompanied him for the remainder of the trip. D Eng C, OC CEU, CEC 2, and other staff accompanied him from Calgary. At all stations meetings were held with the CO, SCEO and other personnel.

2. Items which were discussed at the stations are described in the following paragraphs, and marginal notes have been inserted indicating those who may be concerned for information or action.

   COMOX

3. Airfield - The whole airfield was inspected and a general observation made that all old pavements were either unserviceable or in need of major repair to prevent them from becoming unserviceable. A tentative programme was developed which includes:

   1. Construction of a parallel taxiway 11-29 to a full 8,000 feet (new portion about 4,000 ft);

   2. Abandoning the northwest taxi strip which connects buttons of R/W 22, 18 and 11;

   3. Abandoning R/W 04-22 completely;

   4. Construction of taxi strip from apron beside H7 to R/W 18-36 (about 650 ft);

   5. Construction on the old portion of R/W 11-29 of an eight inch lift for about 4,400 feet and rebuild 400 feet to feather to the new portion;

   6. Placing of a two inch asphalt lift on R/W 18-36; and

   7. Construction of a 7 inch life on the old apron NE of H7.

   DCEC
   Eng 4

4. Entrepreneur Housing - The proposal by the Ryan Road Development was discussed and CCE asked the CO to state positively whether he was in favour or not. The CO stated that he was definitely in favour of the proposal and ensuring discussions indicated that the proposal should be enlarged to provide 200 housing units. The CAdO was instructed to carry out a survey among married personnel to support the requirement and to contact the entrepreneur for further discussions.

   DCEC

5. Marine Section Facilities - In view of the request from DOT for the RCAF to vacate the DOT portion of the Comox wharf, CCE asked the CO to submit a proposal for extending the RCAF portion, relocating and enlarging the marine section building, and providing a float for the RCAF boats.

   CCE prop
   DCEC

6. New Armament Area - The problem of siting a new combined MAC and ADC armament area was studied. It was considered that the requirements of the two commands be housed in one area, and a site east of the Little River Road and behind the Alert hangars was considered the best, taking into consideration requirements for explosive safety, runway zoning and accessibility to arming areas. The proposed site is low and not well drained, but improvements could be made. Only one farm property is believed to be affected, and the owner does not farm actively himself.

   Eng 2-2

7. Storm Drainage - A question was raised at the station concerning the proposed project to improve the drainage at the south of the station built-up area. This has been discussed with CEC3, who will report on the status of this project to the station.

   DCEC

8. Ceilometer and Transmissometer - The SMetO offered comments on the siting of both these instruments. Some CF101 pilots have commented that the ceilometer is a distraction. The station Flight Safey Committee concurred, but did not consider the problem a hazard. The SMetO has passed a report about the problem to DAirs/S4. He stated that the ceilometer provides extremely useful information. The transmissometer, on the other hand, has little value in his opinion because it is too remote to accurately indicate visibility on the runway. It is noted that its separation from the runway was governed by zoning criteria.

   Eng 6-2

9. Runway Marking Paint - Personnel at Comox are very satisfied with the runway marking paint in use there. They state that it provides even better traction than bare asphalt or concrete pavement. In contrast, the paint in use at Cold Lake was found to be slippery and CF 104 pilots must ensure that they do not run up on painted pavement.

   DCEM

10. Site Records - The problem of maintaining new site records was discussed with the SCEO and the D&RO. Considerable effort has been made to correct and revise the record drawings forwarded to the station in Nov 61, and the D&RO will forward prints of partially corrected drawings on request. They had not received copies of the Topographic and Aerodrome Utilities Plans nor the Property and Survey Control Plan. These should be forwarded immediately. Several errors on the Station Utilities Plans, which have been discovered by the station, indicate the need for thorough checking before acceptance of contractors' work; for instance, monument No 9 shown on sheet 19, should be on sheet 16.

    Eng 2-3

11. Sewage Plant - The problem of overloading in the sewage plant during and after heavy rains was discussed. It was stated that while the plant was designed for 300,000 gpd, actual flow during storms has been measured at 1,500,000 gpd. A large proportion of the storm water entering the plant is believed to come from a combined system in the new MQ area. The SCEO is considering the installation of a proper bypass with chlorination chamber, but feel that Eng 3-4 should look into the problem.

    Eng 3-4

12. LOX Building - The opinion of most personnel, other than the SAEO, was that the LOX building provides extravagant accommodation. A visit to the building indicated that only half the building is required to hand LOX and to store gaseous oxygen. Station personnel were of the opinion that the building must have been designed with a view to generating LOX, although this was never considered a requirement at Comox.

    DCEC

13. Auxiliary Power - The SCEO believes that the old Vivian engines in Building 19 should be replaced with one new 1000 KVA generating unit, and that this should be connected with the 800 KVA plant at the old GCI site to provide emergency power for the station. It was noted that the frequency of commercial power failures has increased considerably during the past year and, in fact, a four hour failure was experienced during this visit. Concern was expressed over the lack of an APU at the Alert hangars, and it was pointed out that an APU was planned as part of the QRA project. In view of the present operational role of the Alert hangars, it may be desirable to install an APU independently.

    DCEC
    Eng 5

14. Contract Drawings - It was discovered that AFHQ drawing C44-2-1042-1 was issued without signature for D Eng C and CCE. The design officer, Eng 2-2-2 should check.

    Eng 2-2-2

15. CDL - At the time of the visit, no CDL was employed by the CE section. This situation is possible only because of the high state of maintenance existing when Primary 14 funds were reduced. The SCEO emphasized that gradual deterioration could be expected after six months without the assistance of CDL.

    DCEM

16. Alert Hangar Domestic Facilities - Lounge and sleeping accommodation at the alert area are extemely crowded. The SCEO was informed that some additional accommodation is included in the QRA plan.

    DCEC

17. GSE Building - The requirement for a GSE building was discussed briefly, and it was noted that a CE 183 has already been submitted. The SCEO was advised that the proposed siting, north of H7, was satisfactory.

    Eng 2-2

18. Western AMU Terminal and Supply Building - CCE advised the CO that the requirement for this facility could not be assessed until an overall policy for ATC operations is approved. The siting of this facility at the southern end of the station's built-up area could be very difficult.DCEC
    Eng 2-2

    VANCOUVER

19. Apron - All apron areas were inspected, and the portions recently replaced were in excellent condition. The apron north of H1, however, has broken up very badly during the past year and requires complete replacement if the area is to be used at all. CCE stated that this replacement should be charged to Primary 14.

    DCEM
    Eng 4

20. Apron Flood Lighting - Station personnel queried the difficulty they are having in gaining approval for this $3,500.00 project. They indicated that it was being held up at AFHQ for scale approval. This does not seem correct and it is assumed that they actually meant SCAL approval. This in turn, however, does not seem correct since SCAL has been disbanded. It is understood that CEM 3 is involved in this project.

    DCEM

21. ADF Site - Station personnel were reluctant to proceed with a project to bury cable to the ADF site, since the requirement to avoid hazard of a pole line near a proposed new runway is not yet a reality and is not expected for some time. It was the CO's desire to conserve Primary 82 funds for more urgent requirements.

    DCEM
    Eng 6-2

22. Site Drainage - The overall problem of site drainage received cursory study. The recent programme of installing perforated pipes and filling ditches has been successful in remedying some local problems and additional work of this type could be beneficial. In view of the fact that a large portion of the rainfall merely soaks away a very short distance to a very high water table, the whole problem of drainage is extremely difficult. Possibly the best remedy on open areas, ie sports fields, is to spread fill material and thus put some space between the ground surface and the water table. A general observation was made that some ditches are deep than required and in fact the inverts of some at the south end of the station were below the average water table.

    Eng 4

23. Helicopter Hardstand - The helicopter hardstand was complete except for joint sealing and the SCEO expressed satisfaction for the job.

    Eng 4

24. Kitsilano Detachment - The standard of maintenance at this site was considered quite good and the observation was made that considerable warehouse space is available. The major CE requirement is the replacement of old wiring systems.

    DCEC
    DCEM

    COLD LAKE

25. School for New PMQs - The CO enquired concerning the provision of additional class rooms for the 200 PMQ project which has just started. Eng 2 replied that it was his understanding that funds were not requested for a new school because of the possibility of an agreement with the Town of Grande Centre for high school accommodation. The CO felt that this required further investigations as a result of an apartment development which is just getting underway in Grande Centre.

    DCEC

26. ADF Site - The SCEO queried the proposal to relocate the ADF site, since the STelO believes the present site is completely satisfactory. Eng 2 told SCEO that he would investigate and advise the reason. Investigation has revealed that the present site on the old GCA hardstand violates runway zoning criteria and was accepted by DFS as a temporary measure only. It has also been determined that the relocation project is not programmed for the immediate future.

    Eng 2
    Eng 6-2

27. Cosely Hangars - The CO stated that he was receiving pressure from the CEPE detachment commander to provide heat and additional 550 volt power to the Cosely hangars. He stated that he was unsure as to where this project should fit in his overall priority list for new construction.

    DCEC
    DCEM

28. Man Hour Ceiling - The CO questioned reductions in the man hour ceiling in view of reductions and tight control over commitment and cash authorities.

    DCEM

29. PMQ Painting - It was observed that any further delay in painting houses may be false economy.

    DCEM

30. LOX Building - Several opinions were expressed indicating that the LOX building was too large and elaborate, and that the $36,000.00 could have been used to better advantage to meet other requirements.

    DCEC

    NAMAO

31. Lack of Work Leave - The CO discussed a suggestion which had been forwarded to the CSC by a CE trademan at Namao. The purpose of the suggestion was to avoid, or at least reduce, layoffs among CDL during periods when workload and/or funds are low. The suggestion, which is now being followed at Namao on a voluntary basis, involves individual CDL taking one week LWOP each month on rotation. They are able to do this without losing annual and sick leave credits and without collecting unemployment insurance. A copy of this suggestion had been forwarded to ATCHQ, and it was believed that this had been passed to AFHQ.

    DECM

32. Explosives Storage Site - Eng 2 asked what use was now being made of the abandoned explosive storage site. It was stated that AMC is converting it for use as a surplus storage site for Western Canada. CCE wondered whether the Kitsilano site might not be preferable for this function.

    DCEC

33. Kingsway Site - Considerable discussion took place on the future of the Kingsway Site, and it was generally agreed that the ultimate goal should be to dispose of all buildings except the drill hall and to accommodate the communications centre at Namao. Siting of the proposed RCAFA building was discussed, and to permit as much land as possible to turned over to the City of Edmonton, it was considered desirable to site this building on or adjacent to the parade ground.

    DCEC
    Eng 2

34. Railspurs - In response to a question by Eng 2, the SCEO stated that the railspurs to the explosives storage site and to the main station have been declared surplus.

    Eng 2-3

    RESOLUTE BAY

35. Exploration Companies - The CO Namao stated that he was satisfied to let the JC Sproule and the Round Valley Oil Company facilities remain where they are in the RCAF area. He did not wish any further action taken to have them relocated to a new civil area.

    CCE Prop

36. Bulk Fuel Storage - The CO Namao indicated that he was completely satisfied with the bulk fuel facilities, and he does not anticipate any problems in supplying all expected civil requirements. He further stated that he intends to use up all the fuel stored in drums during the next year.

    DCEC
    Eng 3-3

37. Electrical Power - The CO Namao stated that the power plant was providing excellent service. During a discussion on the provision of power to faciliites in the civil area, the OC CEU indicated that his tradesmen would be able to assist private companies and other Government agencies with electrical installation work ona re-payment basis.

    DCEM
    Eng 5

    MACDONALD

38. Airfield - The airfield was generally in poor condition and showed evidence of base failure, inadequate drainage, and frost action. It was the opinion of Eng 4-2-2 that a complete re-build would be necessary to make it suitable for jet aircraft.

    DEngC
    Eng 4
    DCEC

39. Hangars - The hangar structures appeared to be in good condition, but roofs and floors are in poor condition.

    DCEC

    GIMLI

40. Central Heating Plant - CCE concurred in the requirement for a new central heating plant. The two old plants are very antiquated and inefficient and require an establishment of 27 men to operate. Distribution pressure is 12 psi and there is a question as to whether the system can take high pressure from a new plant.

    Eng 3-2
    DCEC

41. Airfield - There was general agreement on the type of airfield construction programme that should take place at Gimli. It would consist of:
    1. improvement of the airfield drainage system;

    2. placing a lift on the outer runway;

    3. constructing a new inner runway east of the existing inner runway;

    4. providing more direct taxi connections at the south end.

    DCEC
    Eng 4

42. Road to Town of Gimli - The need to pave the road to Gimli was very apparent. In addition to the very rough driving conditions is the dust problem adjacent to married quarters. It appeared obvious that the Province should bear some responsibility in this matter in view of the large volume of non-RCAF traffic on the road - in particular between the Town of Gimli and Provincial Highway No 8.

    DCEC

43. Married Quarters - The urgent requirement for additional married quarters was recognized and CCE requested the OC, CEU to study and prepare a proposal to relocate Steelox houses from MacDonald to Gimli.

    DCEC

(JR Rundle) S/L
DEngC/Eng-2
2-0510