Federal government eyes Kawartha Lakes for high-tech Arctic radar project

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: The Department of National Defence (DND) is moving forward with plans to construct a key Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) installation in Kawartha Lakes, and they’re asking the public to weigh in.

At their July 22nd meeting, City of Kawartha Lakes Council acknowledged the federal initiative which involves the acquisition of a 163-hectare site on Thistle Trail, for use as a full transmit location in a larger defence network, designed to bolster Canada’s northern and continental security.

Mayor Doug Elmslie confirmed the municipality’s involvement in preliminary discussions, saying, “We’re aware of the federal government’s plans to build a site in our municipality for the Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar project, and have taken part in early discussions.” He added, “Plans are being developed for public consultation by National Defence, along with municipal coordination. In today’s world, national security and intelligence are more important than ever, and we’re committed to working together to ensure both safety and transparency.”

The A-OTHR project is part of a sweeping $38.6 billion NORAD modernization effort, announced in 2022, to reinforce Canada’s aerospace defence. Unlike conventional radar systems, the new technology will be capable of detecting threats from vast distances by bouncing radio waves off the ionosphere, enabling surveillance beyond the curvature of the Earth.

Kawartha Lakes is one of two initial locations in Ontario selected by DND. The second site, in Clearview Township, will serve as a preliminary receive site. Up to four permanent radar sites are expected to be built, as the program progresses through its multiple stages, with full deployment anticipated by 2043.

The proposed Kawartha Lakes site is currently vacant pastureland which includes forested and wetland areas. Environmental assessments, wildlife surveys, and archaeological studies are underway or planned, with a formal environmental effects determination to follow, under the federal Impact Assessment Act.

According to the DND, development at the Thistle Trail site will include the installation of antenna arrays and supporting infrastructure. The transmit site will be fenced, and all radiation hazard zones will remain fully contained within that perimeter.

A spokesperson for the Department of National Defence said, “We’re committed to strong relationships with local communities and Indigenous rights holders, as we implement these essential national security improvements. We want to hear from residents, especially those near the Thistle Trail site, about any concerns or information they may have.”

The federal government is inviting public input on a range of topics, including environmental considerations, seasonal land use, and local knowledge about the area. Questions and comments may be submitted, through an online form or at upcoming in-person and virtual town halls. The consultation period opened on July 17th and continues until September 15th.

Concerns, already being raised by residents, include: possible noise interference, wildlife disruption, and the long-term impact on surrounding land use and agriculture.

“I understand the need for national defence,” said Janet Mallory, a landowner whose property lies near the proposed radar location, “but I hope DND is going to be transparent about what this means for residents living near the site, especially those with farms or livestock.”

More details, including maps of the site and technical information about radar operation, can be found at the A-OTHR project website. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the process as the project moves toward implementation, potentially beginning construction as early as winter 2026.

Visit the DND’s Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar project site to submit your feedback and sign up for updates on future consultation sessions.