Canadian Forces Station Kamloops
1957 - 1988
Construction of the radar station at Kamloops commenced in 1956, with the unit being designed as an early warning radar site to augment the Pine Tree radar chain. A limited degree of operations was achieved by December 1958. The station was first manned by American Air Force personnel and became home of the 825th Radar Squadron.
On 1 April 1962, the Royal Canadian Air Force accepted responsibility for the manning of the radar station. This brought about the disbandment of the american squadron and the formation of 56 AC & W Squadron, RCAF Station Kamloops. The 56 AC & W remained in existence until 30 August 1967, when as a result of unification of the forces, the unit was officially redesignated Canadian Forces Station Kamloops.
The station motto 'Ils Ne Passeront Pas' translates to 'they shall not pass'. Canadian military and civilians manned the site around the clock to provide for Canadian defense as a part of North American Air Defense (NORAD). Operations ceased on April 1988 and the station closed on August 1 1988.
From the plaque at the site