History of the CHS Central & Arctic Region 1984-1985

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The History of the CHS Central & Arctic Region

1984-1985

1984 – Highlights

The Office of the Director General is responsible for ensuring the implementation of Departmental and Ocean Science and Surveys policy and guidelines in the Region, providing management direction for Regional responsibility centres, and for the coordination of Regional response to requests for information concerning resources, operational planning and reviews, environmental reviews and positions, and general administration.

Each year, there are a number of resource and operational planning and review reports requiring Regional input. This year was no exception, with Departmental Work Planning and Long-Term Operational Plans, DFO’s Northern Activities Report to the Northwest Territories Coordinating Committee (Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (DIAND) Annual Northern Expenditures Plan) and the Federal Science Expenditures Survey. In addition, BLMSS prepared a submission outlining the activities for each of the thirteen Regional Responsibility Centres under the Deputy Prime Minister’s Task Team on Government Operations (Nielson Task Force).

The Region serves on the Department’s Arctic Offshore Development Committee (ARCOD) through which it contributed to DFO’s response to the Beaufort Sea Project Panel Report, DFO’s Position Statement on Lancaster Sound Development, and the Department’s position on Panarctic’s Bent Horn crude oil development project.

The emphasis of the Region’s hydrographic program in the south is in support of commercial shipping operating in the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway System and International charting agreements. During 1984, seven field parties located throughout the System collected hydrographic data for the production and updating of charts and related publications. This included a contract survey of four lakes on Manitoulin Island that will primarily benefit the local tourist industry. The Great Lakes commercial shipping industry also relies on water level information collected and published by the Region.

In the Arctic, bathymetric surveys are carried out in cooperation with other government departments primarily in support of offshore development projects of the oil and gas industry, and for ensuring safe access by Department of Transport supply vessels to coastal communities. In 1984, the Region carried out a through-the-ice survey of Prince Regent Inlet, and a survey of a shipping corridor to the new Inuit community of Umiujaq on the east shore of Hudson Bay.

An airborne electromagnetic system is being developed that will measure continuous profiles in ice-covered waters. Ice thickness and water conductivity will also be measured. A helicopter will tow a “bird”, which contains transmitting and receiving coils, 30 metres above the ice. The program is being implemented in four stages. Phase 1, the preliminary design stage, was completed during the summer of 1984. Phase 2 is in progress to design and assemble data acquisition hardware, and to develop hardware and software to process the data. Phase 3 of the contract, to conduct airborne tests near Dartmouth, will take place during the summer of 1985. The system will be modified as necessary after the trials. Phase 4 will take place in the Arctic, where operational trials will be carried out during the 1986 Polar Continental Shelf Project.

Central Region continued its annual participation in the Toronto International Boat Show. The 1984 display featured new products available to the public. These included Loran-C charts of the Great Lakes; the first edition of the Small Craft Guide to the Rideau Waterway and Ottawa River; and harbour charts of Georgian Bay under contract on a new chart format.

Field Hydrography

The 1984 Arctic survey of Prince Regent Inlet focused on collecting bathymetry and gravity (Cart 7053). A ten-parcoll camp was erected at Creswell Bay to provide an operations base for twelve hydrographic and ten helicopter personnel. From this base, a full coverage program was effected, to collect depths at a 2-km grid spacing, and gravity at 6-km grid spacing. The primary positioning system was Syledis Sercel. It was used in a hyperbolic/ranging mode. This system was augmented by MiniRanger III. Sot depths were obtained using Edo 9040 sounders. Data were plotted on 1:200,000 field sheets with 9627 spot soundings and 1021 gravity measurements being obtained. Additionally, 40 depth and gravity measurements were taken in Peel Sound. The program received considerable support from the Polar Continental Shelf Project division of Energy Mines and Resources, principally in the form of aircraft hours and fuel. This included 1500 helicopter hours, 175 Twin Otter aircraft hours, and 130 Hawker Siddley 748 hours. Five Bell 206B helicopters were used to collect data. They were contracted by PCSP from Quasar Helicopters, B.C. The survey was very successful, particularly with respect to implementing the Syledis positioning system. The system was worked to ranges of 120 km, and calibrations indicated an accuracy of +/- 2o metres.

The Hudson Bay, Nastapoka Sound survey concentrated on providing a safe shipping corridor into the new Eskimo village of Umiujaq (144 km northeast by north of Poste-de-la-Baleine on the east coast of Hudson Bay, (Lat. 56-30, Chart 5706). Shell Oil requested a detailed hydrographic survey of the approach waters, in order to bring a tanker safely into the community in late August. Thus, four hydrographers and seven support personnel set up a survey base at Umiujaq and sounded the offshore (1:50,000), approach (1:25,000) and harbour (1:10,000) waters. Four field sheets were completed. These included 6914 km of line sounding and 280 shoal examinations. Two launches, an 11-metre Nelson and a 7-metre Hourston were deployed on the sounding work. Positioning was by Mini-Ranger, coupled to a NavBox. Depth data were digitized from Ross 801, and 200A sounders. All data were processed ashore using a computer-driven processing package. The survey extended from mid-July to mid-September. A Ministry of Transport Bell 206B helicopter supported the project, and expended 186 hours on various tasks. Because the Region was unable to obtain a dedicated DOT ship, the survey had to be shore-based. All gear was moved northward by land, sea and air transport. The launches were trucked to Fort George then launched and steamed 320 km to Umiujaq. Personnel, equipment and fuel were air freighted to the village.

The 1984 St. Lawrence River survey operated from base camps at Iroquois Lock and Chrysler Park Marina. The survey included both USA and Canadian river waters between the Iroquois Lock and Wilson Hill Island (Chart 1415). Five 1:5,000, and one 1:10,000 field sheets were completed. In addition to re-surveying the river, all fixed and floating navaids were positioned. Sounding launches included 6-metre Botveds, and 5-metre Boston Whalers. Ross 801 sounders were used for depth information and positioning was by Mini-Ranger, in range/bearing mode, and by Hydrodist MRB 201. The survey data will augment a modern-technology source data bank extending upriver to Kingston.

The North Channel Survey continued a program to re-survey sections of the North Channel west of Little Current, where the hydrographic data are inadequate or dated, lessening their usefulness for new charts. A fourteen-person survey team worked out of a base at Little Current. Two 1:1,000 and one 1:5,000 field sheets were completed. Hourston launches, equipped with Ross 801 sounders, Mini-Ranger receivers, and NavBox data loggers, and handled most of the work. The digitized depth data were based processed using a PDP 11/23 field processor. Twelve Navaids, consisting of four fixed and eight floating aids were positioned. The survey was supported substantially by a helicopter, which flew 258 hours on various tasks.

The St. Mary’s River Survey was a continuation of a project to re-survey navigable waters between the North Channel and Sault Ste. Marie. This year’s effort started at Little Lake George, about nine kilometres down river from Sault Ste. Marie, and progressed up river towards the Canadian Sault locks. Field sheets of the river were detailed at a 1:5,000 scale, with wharf and lock complexes at the Sault detailed at a 1:1,000 scale. Nine field sheets were completed. Supplemental tasks assigned to this survey included a wharf survey at Bruce Mines, a horizontal control survey to resolve a discrepancy between USA and Canadian values for identical survey marks, and a managerial responsibility for a Search and Rescue component. The survey was based at Sault Ste. Marie, and embraced six staff plus nine crew. The survey relied mainly on 6-metre Botveds and 5-metre Boston Whalers for most of the sounding. The primary sounder was the Ross 801 portable. Positioning was range/bearing using either Mini-Ranger III, Hydrodist MRD-1, or Microfix.

The Lake Ontario Harbours Survey continued a program to re-survey strategic harbours at a quantitative level suitable for the new harbour chart format. The survey started at Deseronto and moved, upon completion, progressively to Prinyer Cove, Picton, and Belleville. Field sheets were detailed at 1:2,500 in the approaches, and at 1:1,000 in the harbour. A feature of the survey was the successful adaptation of automated logging and processing to large-scale survey work. Sounding equipment was primarily Ross 801. Positioning was by Hydrodist MRD-1 in a range/range mode and by Microfix-Wild T-2000 in a range/bearing mode. Data were NavBox logged and processed using the PDP 11/23 field-processing package. In addition the hydrographer-in-charge managed a Search and Rescue component.

The Revisory Survey responded to Marine Information Reports, Ministry of Transport requests, cartography queries, Small Craft Harbours requirements, plus a Regional program of systematically updating and revising charts. The basic revision program centered on the Trent-Severn System, Lake Simcoe and Owen Sound harbour. Auxiliary tasks extended from Windsor to Valleyfield, P.Q. and northward to Tobermory and the Muskoka Lakes. Eight navigational lights were positioned for Ministry of Transport, a marina was sounded for Small Craft Harbours, and buoys positioned and channels investigated for Parks Canada.

Manitoulin Island Contract Survey – From funds provided by Small Craft Harbours Directorate, Central Region generated specifications, evaluated Department of Supply and Services Requests for Proposals, and recommended a contract to Cansite Survey, Alberta, for a hydrographic survey of four lakes on Manitoulin Island. The survey began in early May, and extended into September. Lakes Mindemoya, Wolsey, Manitou and Kagawong were surveyed at a 1:10,000 scale to meet Standing Orders criteria. The resulting charts will primarily benefit the local tourist industry. The progress and quality of the survey was regularly monitored by a Central Region Scientific Authority, who checked their data and recommended procedures to improve the efficiency of the survey. All fieldwork was completed to Central Region’s satisfaction by mid-September.

Central Region supported a Loran-C calibration program initiated by CHS Headquarters. Support came in the form of a vessel – CSS ADVENT – personnel, and a helicopter for a two-week period June 11-17. Calibrations prevailed over eleven different areas of Lake Superior, extending from Thunder Bay to Sault Ste. Marie, The Loran-C readings were calibrated against positions derived from a Trisponder system set up ashore on controlled survey marks.

Ships and Launches

At the end of 1984, the Ship Division fleet consisted of three ships, ten launches between 10 and 16 metres, thirty launches between 6 and 10 metres and 58 smaller boats. During the year, LIMNOS took part in two “Tall Ships” events, one in Toronto and one in Burlington. Over 15,000 people visited the ship during these events.

As always, the marine workshop had a busy and productive year. Apart from the normal repair, maintenance and modifications necessary on the existing fleet, 11 diesel engines, 18 gasoline engines, 90 outboard motors, and 45 lower units were re-built.

Four new 7-metre Hourston launches were received in 1984, giving us a total of eight. These launches performed well in the field and proved to be productive and economical to operate. Two types of 5-metre inshore sounding boats (MASON and McKEE) were bought for field testing as possible replacement for our aging fleet of Boston Whalers. Reports were favourable and we are going ahead, through the Vessel Acquisition and Strategic Plan, to pursue this replacement policy.

Several old boats, including CSL AQUA and HYDRO I, were assigned to Crown Assets.

CSS ADVENT was involved in a three week Loran-C calibration survey in Lake Superior.

Ship Division supported shore-based surveys with the following craft:

Hudson Bay Survey – NAUTILUS, WEAVER and 1 Aluminum boat
St. Lawrence River Survey – HUNT, HUSTLE, LAB I, WHISTLER, MASON I, 2 Boston Whalers, 1 Aluminum boat
North Channel Survey – WILLET, WOODCOCK, WREN, HASTY, 2 Boston Whalers, 1 Aluminum boat
Marie Survey – NAVIGATOR (SAR), WEAVER, HELIX, HYDRA, 2 Boston Whalers
Lake Ontario Harbours Survey – CABOT II, NIOBE (SAR), McKEE I, 1 Boston Whaler
Revisory Survey – LFGB 2, LFGB 3, WAGTAIL
Local Surveys/Sailing Directions – CADET, WREN, 1 Boston Whaler
Aerial Hydrography – MASON I

Chart Production

Two new acquisitions, a rapid access film processor and a Comp-Edit 5810 Typesetter, in conjunction with a chart-printing contract, contributed to the enhancement of Chart Production capabilities at Central Region in 1984. The completion of six charts under contract by two private charting firms, Terra Surveys Limited of Ottawa and Intercontinental Maps and Charts Ltd. of Toronto, aided in the production of new charts. The awarding of two 1984/85 contracts to produce four harbour charts of Lake Ontario and two standard navigational charts of the St. Joseph Channel area in northern Lake Huron for completion in early 1985 is a continuation of Central Region’s emphasis on production of New Charts. Additionally, it reflects the Region’s interest in having private industry participating in charting activities.

Rescheming and formatting of the Region’s charts continued. Agreement was reached for some limited alterations to confluence charts in Lake Ontario. New Charts were schemed to achieve consistent Canadian coverage with the confluence areas for Lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron. The St. Mary’s River 1:25,000 scale charts were approved for production, and agreement and approval obtained for five North Channel charts. Georgian Bay was reschemed at a scale of 1:20,000, north oriented, and paper size AO replaced the existing strip charts covering the area.

Chart production output included six New Charts under contract, 12 New Editions and 3 patches. As well 32 New Chart projects are being worked on. Another 34 New Editions are being worked on, as are 4 Patch projects.

CHS Central Region Staff

Regional Hydrographer - G.R. Douglas, E. Brown (Acting)
Asst. Regional Hydrographer - E. Brown, B. Wright (Acting)

Hydrographers-in-Charge - E.F. Thompson, J. H. Wilson, M. Crutchlow, P. V. Davies, K. Hipkin, R. MacDougall, A. P. Welmers, J. Medendorp, R. Mahaffy

Hydrographers - R.A. Covey, P. Elliott, B. Eidsforth, J. G. Dixon, G. K. Thompson, J. J. Biggar, A. J. Koudys, J. H. Weller, G. P. Fenn, R. A. Langford, B. R. Power, K. W. Dexel, D. G. Pugh, R. K. Beri, R. Treciokas, M. L. Powell, M. P. Bennett, R.C. Robitaille, D. Chase, B. Richards, S. Hinds.

Chart Production

Chief                                                    - A. B. Thorson
Navigational Information Officer          - J. Elliott
Cartographic Checkers                      - M. Frederick, C. Fisher
Cartographic Supervisors                   - B. Little, P. Warren, B. Beale
Reprographics                                                - D. MacKenzie

Cartographers/multi-disciplinary Hydrographers - M. A. Lloyd, B. R. Beale, D. Pigeon, S. Chander, A. P. Gris, A. M. Bonnici, H. C. Nepomuceno, S. G. Bockmaster, H. Fuchs-Trapp, A. Evans, C. Gorski, S. Pelletier, J. Lamont

Hydrographic Development Group

Head - G. Macdonald
Technical Staff - B. Tinney, N. Prince, P. Millette, K. Weaver

Engineering and Technical Support

Chief                                                    - E. O. Lewis
Special Projects                                  - W. Haras
Remote Sensing                                 - G.L. Boyd

Survey Electronics

Technical Staff - H.J. Boyce, T. Dyas, G. Kavanagh, W. Montgomery, D. Pyatt, M. Szucs, B. Waldock. D. Tobio, R. Cutillo

Tides, Currents and Water Levels Section

Head - D.A. St. Jacques
Technical Staff - R.R. Solvason, R. Sandilands, T. Herron

Tidal Instrument Development and Engineering Support

A/Head - D.A. St. Jacques
Technical Staff - J.H. Thurm, R.B. Johns, M. Donegan

Marine Information Centre

Technical Staff - L. Mortimer

Hydrographic Data Centre

Technical Staff - D. Robertson

Field Inspection Unit

Head - E.F. Thompson

Ships & Launches

Regional Marine Superintendent                                             - R. Marshall
Assistant Marine Superintendent (Engineering)                     - A.T. Hughes
Assistant Marine Superintendent (Operations)                      - W.S. Corkum
Boatshop General Foreman                                                   - K.D. Robertson

1985 – Highlights

Since the compilation of this Annual Review, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has completed the integration of its science activities and made some changes to regional operations. As a result of these changes, a new Central and Arctic Region has been created headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Central and Arctic Region now contains a single science organization representing the integrated hydrographic and fisheries research programs at the Bayfield Laboratory, the Great Lakes Fisheries Research Branch in Burlington and the Freshwater Institute in Winnipeg. The hydrographic program of the Bayfield Laboratory for Marine Science and Surveys, the fisheries research program of the Great Lakes Fisheries Research Branch and the administrative and ship support for both of these programs have been combined to form the Bayfield Institute of DFO, located in the Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Burlington, Ontario.

The calendar year of 1985 can be characterized as a year of change and uncertainty within DFO. By year-end, plans had been completed under one planning element. This meant that Ocean Science and Surveys would be combined with Fisheries Research Branch to form a new Science Sector. At the same time, the Department had implemented a program of resource reduction, which resulted in a 3% reduction in the financial resources available for the programs at the Bayfield Laboratory.

Nevertheless, the staff at the Bayfield Laboratory was able to successfully complete their programs.

The issue of Canadian sovereignty over the Arctic Archipelago captured news headlines this year with the voyage of the POLAR SEA through the Northwest Passage. Part of Canada’s claim to the Arctic is inexorably linked to the amount of government activity in the North. The formation of the Polar Continental Shelf Project of which CHS has played a major role since its inception in 1958 is perhaps the best example of the Canadian Government’s involvement in the Arctic. Central Region continued to support this government priority by sponsoring two Arctic surveys in 1985.

In Hudson Bay and the Arctic, the survival of small communities often depends on the provision of food and fuel via the Annual Sealift during a very short navigation season. The availability of hydrographic information can be the determining factor for a Sealift visit. For instance, the community of Pelly Bay may receive its first Sealift as a result of a recent Central Region hydrographic survey of the area.

From April 17-21, CCIW opened its doors to the general public. Attendance at the five-day event reached 30,000 people (including an estimated 10,000 students). The public reaction to the Open House was positive and most people expressed amazement at the variety and complexity of activities that were being carried out by DFO and DOE at the Centre.

The 1985 Toronto International Boat Show provided yet another opportunity for hydrographers and cartographers to meet with the boating public to explain and discuss CHS publications. During the eleven-day event, show attendance reached 112,000 and 17,000 pamphlets were distributed from the CHS booth.

1985 WAS A SIGNIFICANT YEAR FOR SEVERAL STAFF MEMBERS IN Central Region. Earl Brown, Ross Douglas, Barry Little, Dan MacKenzie, Bob Marshall and Boyd Thorson all received acknowledgement for 25 years of Service in the Federal Government. The Director General Steve MacPhee was on hand to present the awards amidst a large gathering of well wishers from the Centre.

Field Hydrography

This year’s Arctic survey was a continuation of the 1984 survey of Prince Regent Inlet into the Gulf of Boothia. Soundings were collected at 2-km intervals along the hyperbolic grid of the Decca 6F positioning system. In addition, gravity readings were taken at approximately 6 km intervals as part of a cooperative project with DEMR. The survey gathered 8,179 spot soundings and 785 gravity measurements.

The Arctic Arnott Strait survey was initiated at the request of Panarctic Oils Ltd. of Calgary, Alberta who were planning to use the M.V. ARCTIC to ship crude oil from their Cameron Island field to Rae Point. This survey was carried out under contract to the McElhanney Group of Calgary. Bell 206B helicopters were used to collect a total of 13,286 spot soundings on a 2-km grid. Sounding density was increased in the 19 shoal areas that were examined.

The objective of the Kuujjuarapik (Poste-de-la-Baleine) survey is to delineate a shipping corridor along the east coast of Hudson Bay from Inoucdjouac to the western tip of Long Island. In 1985, the survey covered the waters in the vicinity of Kuujjuarapik including the estuary of the Grand Riviere-de-la-Baleine. Survey positioning was provided by a Mini-Ranger III in the range/bearing mode and by Syledis in the range/range mode. Bathymetry was collected with Ross 200A Fineline and Ross 801 sounders and processed on shore with the PDP 11/73 data processing system.

The hydrographic survey of the St. Mary’s River is being conducted under the auspices of the United States – Canada Hydrographic Commission. The 1985 survey at Sault Ste. Marie completed a four-year survey of the St. Mary’s River and St. Joseph’s Channel, which will provide the basis of a new series of charts at a scale of 1:25,000. In conjunction with the St. Mary’s River work, a detailed sounding survey of the area between Sand Point and Batchawana Bay, Lake Superior was also completed. All sounding was collected with a Ross 801 Portable Sounder and lines were run in a range/bearing mode using a Mini-Ranger III, a Tellurometer MRD-1, or a Microfix 100C for positioning. In preparation for a future survey, horizontal control was established in the Lake Dinorwic and Wabigoon area of northwestern Ontario. Six survey stations in the area were positioned by satellite translocation from a Geodetic Survey of Canada station at Sioux Lookout some 80 km away. Conventional survey techniques were used to complete the remaining network.

The survey of the North Channel of Lake Huron represents an attempt to bring earlier work up to modern standards so that a new series of charts designed to meet the needs of both the commercial and recreational boater can be produced. This year’s survey concentrated on completing the field sheets in the vicinity of Little Current. The survey used an automated data collection system based on NavBox and the PDP 11/73 to log and process 3807 km of continuous soundings and 1415 shoal examinations.

In response to a resurgence of urban and industrial renewal projects in many of the harbours throughout the Great Lakes, Central Region has initiated a survey program to update the Harbour charts. The 1985 survey completed the previous year’s work at Deseronto, Picton and Belleville in Lake Ontario and began the survey of Port Colborne Harbour and the approaches to the Welland Canal in Lake Erie. A Wild electronic T-2000 Theodolite and Microfix C-100 or Tellurometer MRD-1 were interfaced with NavBox for positioning. Ross 801 sounders generated the bathymetry.

The downstream progression of the multi-year St. Lawrence River survey continued in 1985. Four field sheets at a scale of 1:5000 between Ault Island and the Moses Saunders Dam were completed. Soundings were collected with Ross 801 portable sounders and positioned with Mini-Ranger III in the range/bearing mode. Survey statistics include 2443 km of sounding and 1013 shoals examined.

This year’s Revisory survey completed 20 projects primarily in Lakes Huron, Erie and Ontario which included the survey of a small craft channel in Georgian Bay and the harbours at Port Elgin, Meaford and Owen Sound.

Loran-C calibrations of the Great Lakes chain were undertaken in Lakes Ontario and Erie. The Syledis positioning system with accuracy’s of +/- 10 metres was used as the calibration standard.

Ships and Launches

Eight hydrographic field surveys received launch support this season as follows:

Hudson Bay - NAVIGATOR, NIOBE, WHISTLER
Lake Ontario/Erie Harbours - WREN, CABOT#2, 3 McKees and a Boston Whaler
Local Surveys/Sailing Directions - WREN, MASON and 2 Boston Whalers
North Channel - NIMBUS, WILLET, WOODCOCK, WEAVER and 2 Boston Whalers
St. Lawrence River – HORNET, WAXWING, WREN, 3 Masons and 2 Boston Whalers
Sault Ste. Marie/Wabigoon – WOODPECKER, 1 Mason, 4 Boston Whalers
Revisory – WAGTAIL, LFGB#2 & #3

In addition, BAYFIELD and ADVENT were used for Loran-C calibrations in Lakes Ontario and Erie respectively.

Two McKEE and three MASON hydrographic launches were purchased under the Department’s Vessel Acquisition and Strategy Plan. These launches were used to replace older launches in the fleet.

Chart Production

Recently, Central Region has attempted to increase its productivity by contracting out the compilation and drafting of some of its charts to private industry. This practice also promotes the Federal Government’s trade objectives of developing expertise in the private sector of the economy.

Chart production this year included 10 New Charts, 14 New Editions and 8 Reprints

CHS Central Region Staff

Regional Hydrographer - G.R. Douglas, E. Brown (Acting)
Asst. Regional Hydrographer - E. Brown, B. Wright (Acting)

Hydrographers-in-Charge - E.F. Thompson, J. H. Wilson, M. Crutchlow, P. V. Davies, K. Hipkin, A. P. Welmers, J. Medendorp, R. K. Beri

Hydrographers - R.A. Covey, P. Elliott, B. Eidsforth, J. G. Dixon, G. K. Thompson, J. J. Biggar, A. J. Koudys, G. P. Fenn, R. A. Langford, B. R. Power, K. W. Dexel, D. G. Pugh, R. Treciokas, M. L. Powell, M. P. Bennett, R.C. Robitaille, B. Richards, S. Hinds, T. Herron, R. Mahaffy