Article content

The Canadian Forces will develop a network of sites throughout the Arctic in order to stockpile equipment if needed and move troops and gear quickly into the region in case of emergency, according to documents obtained by the Citizen.

The military hopes to have the sites in place by 2018, with the concept tested in the coming weeks.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Canadian military plans support 'hubs' in Arctic to speed response Back to video

“A series of Northern Operations Hubs will be created with the view to facilitate initial rapid deployment and up to 30 days sustained operations in the North,” wrote Lt.-Gen. Stuart Beare in outlining his plan, produced in August 2013.

Beare is head of the Canadian Joint Operations Command, responsible for military operations both at home and abroad.

The locations of the main hubs are to be Iqaluit, Yellowknife, Resolute Bay and Inuvik, he wrote. The hubs would also support ongoing operations in the Arctic and alternate sites would also be selected.

The Canadian Forces is in the process of developing a similar system of hubs around the world to support its international operations. This involves making arrangements with various governments, harbours and airports to move in supplies and troops, with the process capable of being ramped up if needed. At the lowest end, prearranged contracts are put in place at the hubs for services and supplies. This can be increased to involve the pre-positioning of equipment, then later the full activation of the site, where the hub is capable of handling the arrival of troops, aircraft and other heavier equipment.