Over-the-Horizon Radar System near Wasaga Beach

planned

The Department of National Defence (DND) plans to acquire up to 1,620 hectares of farmland near Wasaga Beach, Ontario, for the construction of an Over-the-Horizon radar system. This radar system is part of Canada's NORAD modernization plan and is expected to provide advanced early warning and faster threat detection, including missile detection over the Arctic. The transmission site for the first Over-the-Horizon Radar will be built north of Kawartha Lakes on 163 hectares of land already acquired by DND, while the receiving site will be located on agricultural land in Clearview Township. Construction is expected to begin as early as 2026, with initial operational capability by 2029. The radar technology will be acquired from Australia, with British firm BAE providing the technology. The project cost was originally estimated under $1 billion but later estimates suggest it could be as much as $3 billion, with a public announcement mentioning $6 billion without explanation for the increase.