Cumshewa MCTS Radio Communications Site Upgrades

The Cumshewa Mountain site is part of the Marine Communication and Traffic Services (MCTS) program which is operated by the Canadian Coast Guard on all three of Canada's coastlines (Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic). This program broadcasts and relays safety information for all mariners in Canadian waters and is crucial for the ongoing safety of mariners and the environment in which vessels are traversing. The site currently has one aluminum equipment building, a 125' guyed radio communications tower, a 3400L bulk fuel tank and an open gravel helicopter landing area. The current infrastructure has been deemed to be in need of replacement and the plan for the site is to replace the building and power system which includes new generators, new electrical components, a new fuel system and new fuel storage tanks. Once complete, the existing building and fuel system will be decommissioned and removed from the site.

The work plan for the Cumshewa MCTS site consist of four phases spread over multiple construction seasons. Exact timelines are unavailable due to the project's reliance on specific weather conditions and the allocation of resources to other projects managed by the CCG.

The Project planning commenced in September of 2024 with site visits for geotechnical analysis and first nations introductory site visit occurring in the fall. Geotechnical and environmental investigations were completed onsite and 7 test pits were dug to shallow bedrock.

The design phase is currently ongoing and consists of finalizing the design details based on the geotechnical analysis, requirements from MCTS, environmental parameters, first nations knowledge, and engineering specifications. The materials and components required for the project will be procured. Breaking ground and construction of the concrete piers foundation is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026.

The commissioning phase is scheduled to commence in the summer of 2027 with the installation of the prefabricated aluminum building, and the commissioning of the buildings power and electronics systems.

The final phase of the project will be the decommissioning and removal of the old building and its fuel system.

It should be noted that the timelines outlined for the individual phases above are accurate as of May 2025 but are subject to change as the project progresses.

Infrastructure to be completed during the project:

  • Foundations for a new prefabricated building that will house new primary and backup diesel-fueled engines along with new telecommunications electronics.
  • Foundations and install of new double wall 10,000L bulk fuel storage tank and access platform.
  • Foundations and supports for fuel/electrical and telecommunications routing bridges.
  • Foundations for solar panel install to supplement diesel generation.

Activities required to build this new infrastructure include:

  • Mobilization and demobilization of all manpower, equipment, materials and other resources necessary to complete the work.
  • Helicopters to support site access and material transport.
  • Shallow soil excavation for concrete foundations on bedrock.
  • Forming and pouring concrete foundations and piers to support infrastructure.
  • Heavy Lift Helicopter to support prefabricated building install.
  • Power system and electronics install and commissioning.
  • Removal and disposal of old infrastructure.

More

Latest update

June 9, 2025 – The public comment period on the project is closed. The Canadian Coast Guard is considering comments received to help inform its determination on whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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Contacts

Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Canadian Coast Guard
Jordan Grootendorst, Environmental Technologist
25 Huron Street
Victoria, British Columbia V8V 4V9
Telephone: 236-464-3649
Email: jordan.grootendorst@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Canadian Coast Guard - Maritime and Civil Infrastructure
Brian Teng, Senior Project Engineer
25 Huron st.
Victoria, British Columbia V8V 4V9
Telephone: 250-413-2847
Email: brian.teng@dfo-mpo.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Cumshewa MCTS Site (British Columbia)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Building and Property Development

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2025-05-09

  • Proponent

    Canadian Coast Guard

  • Authorities

    • Fisheries and Oceans Canada

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    89517

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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