Report of the RAC Election Committee  (Sept., 2005)

On Saturday, September 10th, 2005 an Election Committee was convened in Kingston, Ontario.  Pursuant to a motion adopted by the RAC Board of Directors at its August 16th meeting, Steve Pengelly, VE3STV, the RAC Honourary Legal Counsel, established and chaired the meeting, on behalf of the RAC Secretary.  The Committee opened and reviewed the nominations received for the positions of Director, Quebec, Ontario South, and Alberta/NWT/NU Regions.

The Election Committee membership was as follows:

Mr. Ron Walsh, VE3GO
Mr. Roy Clarke, VE3VJF
Mr. Bill Nangle, VE3CLQ/VE7CVQ
Mr. Andrew Wollin, VE3UIN

Quebec Region Director:
            One nomination was received for this position.  Following a review of the documentation submitted and taking into account the constitutional and election process requirements, the Committee determined that the nomination was complete and in order.  There being no other nominees, the Committee declared Mr. Noel Marcil, VE2BR elected as the RAC Director for Quebec Region for the 2006-2007 term.

Ontario South Region Director:
            No nominations were submitted for this position.  As a consequence, this position remains vacant.

Alberta/NWT/NU Region Director:
            One nomination was received for this position.  Following a review of the documentation submitted and taking into account the constitutional and election process requirements, the Committee determined that the nomination materials were not in order and were not complete as only nine of the nominee’s nominators were members in good standing of RAC.  The Committee unanimously determined that since the election requirements of the RAC Constitution were not met, the nominee was not eligible for election.  As a consequence, and because there were no other nominees, the Alberta/NWT/NU Region Director’s position remains vacant for the 2006-2007 term.

The Committee recommends that a second call for nominations for both Ontario South and Alberta/NWT/NU Regions, be issued.

(RAC Bulletin 05-015)

Canada must produce more renewable energy  (Sept. 24 2005)

Prime Minister Paul Martin says he plans to make Canada a major producer of renewable energy. 

As he toured the site of the new Canadian Wind Energy Institute at North Cape, a blustery village at the most northwestern tip of Prince Edward Island, he said the finance minister is working on a plan. 

"We've got to do a lot more, and we intend to do a lot more," Martin said. 

The federal government announced on Friday that it will contribute about $3.6 million towards the creation of the institute. 

The site is home to the Atlantic Wind Test Site, which now provides 10 per cent of the Island's power. 

(CBC News)

Canada-wide Promotions Encourage Energy Efficiency in the Home (Sept. 19 2005)

OTTAWA — This fall, retailers, utilities, suppliers and manufacturers are making it easier than ever for Canadians to take action around the home to help meet the One-Tonne Challenge and reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that lead to climate change.

"Addressing climate change starts with many small actions by millions of Canadians making changes in their daily purchases and habits to lower their energy consumption," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "Now, thanks to special promotions, our partners are helping Canadians have even more success in meeting the One-Tonne Challenge and helping our country's energy efficiency efforts."

"We've seen many Canadians take up the One-Tonne Challenge," said the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment. "A one-tonne emissions reduction also means fewer smog-creating pollutants, which helps us address both climate change and clean air. The One-Tonne Challenge is one element of Project Green, the Government's broader environmental vision aimed at supporting a sustainable environment and a more competitive economy."

The energy-efficiency promotions involve a variety of partners across Canada. Conglom and Costco, for example, will hold a three-day event in 65 Costco stores across the country in October and November, offering savings on Luminus ENERGY STAR-qualified compact-fluorescent light bulbs, low-flow shower heads and programmable thermostats. Hydro-Québec, Manitoba Hydro and B.C. Hydro, as well as manufacturers like Honeywell and Waterpik, are offering additional rebates at these events.

Other utility companies, such as SaskEnergy, Hydro Ottawa, Barrie Hydro, Maritime Electric, Enbridge, Hydro One and Newmarket Hydro are promoting ways to meet the One-Tonne Challenge in their customer newsletters. 

During September and October, Hudson's Bay Company (Hbc), through its Bay and Zellers stores, is offering promotions and savings on ENERGY STAR® and other products that support the One-Tonne Challenge. In addition, window displays in its Bay flagship stores are encouraging consumers to take up the One-Tonne Challenge. Another retailer, Home Depot, is partnering with the Clean Air Foundation's EnergySmarts Program to focus on energy-efficient home products.

As part of Canada's climate change plan, the One-Tonne Challenge asks each Canadian to reduce their individual GHG emissions by one tonne or about 20 percent. Each person in Canada produces an average of about five tonnes of GHG emissions annually. Half of these emissions come from using energy in the home for heating, cooling, water heating, appliances and lighting.

More information on promotions, incentives and rebates, as well as a list of exhibits at local events this fall, are available at www.climatechange.gc.ca/onetonne. Visitors can check the "Incentives and Rebates" section to search by province and territory for both seasonal and ongoing ways that help save money on energy efficiency measures. On the "Business and Industry" page, there is also a complete list of business partners.

The Government of Canada's actions on climate change are part of Project Green, whose policies and programs include measures to conserve our biodiversity, protect our water, clean up contaminated sites, and ensure cleaner and healthier air. 

(Government of Canada News Room)

The MARMfest, at Austin, MB was quite a success with something like 130 attendees. Congratulations to Dave Snydal - VE4XN - and his team for all of their efforts. 

NOTE: If you are a BASIC licensee recently granted HF privilages due to Industry Canada’s policy change as a result of (a) grandfathering or (b) earning an ‘Honours’ BASIC and if you would like evidence of this to appear on Industry Canada’s data base, then you should send a FAX or an E-mail to IC advising them that you are eligible and that you intend to operate HF. Industry Canada will place a (+) after your name in the name field of their data base to indicate HF access. This is not a requirement, but will be done at your request as proof to anyone who checks that you now have HF privileges. 

Industry Canada is going to solicit input on the hotly contested BPL (Broadband over Power Lines) issue. See the RAC WEBsite under RAC News for more details. Joe Parkinson (VE3JG) will be presenting a paper on this issue, outlining the potential for interference to amateur radio and shortwave listeners. He will be asking for support from clubs and individuals. A sample response from clubs will be provided on the WEBsite. RAC will be sponsoring a FORUM on the InterNet, to be moderated by SM Rob Boux - VE4RRB. Once the details are worked out, information and access will be available on the RAC WEBsite. 

Is your club planning to offer Amateur Radio license classes this fall? Take a look at the support program that RAC is offering to your club. It’s a good deal for both the club and for the student. For details, take a look at the RAC WEBsite. 

Has your club considered a contribution to the RAC Youth Education Program? The Regina Amateur Radio Association stepped forward with their support for the second year in a row. How can you better ensure the continuation of the Amateur Radio Service than to help us to bring young people amoung us? 

Give me a call or an E-mail if you have any questions or want to discuss the above issues.

DX TO WATCH FOR: 
It’s getting a bit thin, but as we approach the equinox, here are a few reasons for turning on the HF rig: 
- ANTARCTICA, VP8/A - activity from the Scott Base on Ross Island on 20 & 40 metres. 
- FRENCH GUYANA, FY - will be active for the next four months. 
- SUDAN, ST - W4ADO will be active through Doctors without Borders.

CONTESTING and EVENTS  IN VE4 & VE5

No report this month.

Special Callsign prefix to commemorate 25th anniversary of Terry Fox run (Sept. 1-30 2005)

Industry Canada has authorized the use of special callsign prefixes to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Terry Fox's run across Canada. The prefixes are as follows and will be in effect from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30 2005. 

VE= XM
VA- XL
VO= XN
VY= XO

All Canadian Radio Amateurs are encouraged to use these special callsign prefixes for the month of September.

(Thanks to Ernie VE3OU)

Special Callsign prefix to celebrate Alberta Centennial   (Sept. 1-30 2005)

Alberta Centennial Prefixes CK for VE's and CJ for VA's for use by all Alberta Amateurs for the period September 1 to 30th.  September 1 is the official Alberta 100th Birthday.  The notice was posted on Page 66 of the July-August TCA.
 

(Thanks to Jeff  VE6GJ)

Westcumb Amateur Radio Club News (Sept. 22 2005)

WARC River Hebert Army Cadet Corp Radio Demonstration:

      On Saturday afternoon, the 15th of October, several retired military radio operators belonging to the WARC will give a demonstration to the River Hebert Army Cadet Corp. They will have a HF station operational for SSB and CW.  VHF setup will include a base setup and seven HTs. They will be using the Amherst 147.285 repeater for their demonstrations and small exercise. (That should liven the repeater up). It should be noted that when the cadets are using the repeater, they will be under the supervision of a licensed Amateur. - from Jim Hannon, VE1AFH.

The Red Cross in Amherst is looking for a volunteer Amateur Radio Operator for one day a week. 
Jim Hannon, VE1AFH, was contacted by the Red Cross and sends the following request:

Every Thursday morning @ 11:45 am, the Red Cross has a province-wide radio net. This net involves Amateur VHF working through the VE1BHS repeater (145.350 - MHz.). We will very soon have a fully operational, licensed Amateur radio station at the Red Cross Building, 16 Church St. Amherst. If anybody would like to take on the task of doing the Red Cross radio net, please drop in and see Angie Lohnes. There is always a fresh pot of tea and a cookie to be had.  E-Mail: angela.lohnes@redcross.ca

Jim Hannon, Emergency Measures Coordinator,
jhannon@cumberlandcounty.ns.ca
 

For more information about the Westcumb Amateur Radio Club visit:www.westcumb.com

Lakehead Amateur Radio Club Challenge (Sept. 9 2005)

Fred Lesnick, VE3FAL, DEC Woods Western ARES reports....

"At our meeting last night (Sept 8 2005) The Lakehead Amateur Radio Club (Thunder Bay,Ontario) had a motion to make a $100.00 US donation to the American Red Cross towards the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

As a club we would like to challenge all other clubs across Canada to do the same either to match or better our donation to The American Red Cross.

(RAC News Service)

Mississauga Amateur Radio Club (VE3MIS)  (Sept. 25, 2005) 

The Mississauga Amateur Radio Club will be operating a Special Event Station from the Halton County Radial Railway Museum. A certificate will be awarded to those who QSL . Please note that non-Canadians will need to send either 2 green stamps or 2 IRC's as we cannot use US postage in Canada.

Operating times: 1400Z-2000Z Sep 24 and 25 

Frequencies(MHz): 7.227,14.240,21.315,28.480 +/- QRM

For more information visit:http://www.marc.on.ca

London Amateur Radio Club 28th Annual Fleamarket   (Sept. 25 2005)

Sunday, September 25, 2005, located at the Western Fair Grounds Special Events Building, London Ontario. 9:00am to 1:00pm

Vendor setup at 7:30am. Admission: $6.00 , tables $ 10.00

Free parking, Air conditioned, commercial dealers, snack bar facilities, wheelchair accessible with handicap washrooms

Inquiries: email: hamfest2005@hamster.foxhollow.ca or phone / mail to Doug Tompkins, VE3IDT (519) 439-5113
54 Hammond Cres. London, ON  N5X 1A4

Website:http://larc.ca/newsletter/LARC-HAMFEST-2005.pdf

Hamilton Amateur Radio Club "HAMFEST 2005"  (Oct. 15 2005) 
Sponsored by:  Hamilton Amateur Radio Club
Location: Marritt Hall (Ancaster Fair Grounds) On Highway #53 (Rymal Road)- between Southcote Road and Kittymurry Lane. 
Opens:  Vendors 7:00am and to the General Public at 9:00am. 
Cost:  All tables $10.00 plus Admission. General Admission;- $6.00 
Talkin: VE3NCF 146.760 (-) 
Notes: Book early to avoid dissapointment. Refer to our Marritt Hall Layout on our website to pre register and pick your location. 
For more info visit: http://www.hwcn.org/link/radio/

Greenwood Annual Flea Market  (Oct. 15 2005) 
Sponsored by: The Greenwood Amateur Radio Club 
Location: Greenwood Community Centre Church St Greenwood  Kingston NS 
Opens: Sellers 8AM, Buyers 10AM 
Cost: $3 admission, tables free 
Talkin: VE1WN, 147.240+ 
For more info contact: Guy VE1NC ve1nc@rac.ca

Montreal South-Shore Hamfest 2005 (Oct. 22 2005) 
Sponsored by: Montreal South Shore Amateur Radio Club 
Location: The Montreal South Shore Amateur Radio Club will hold it's annual Hamfest at Place Desaulniers, 1023 Taschereau blvd. Longueuil (Quebec)
Situated only 10 minutes from downtown Montreal.
Opens:  Set up Sat. 6-9 AM; public 9 AM to 3 PM 
Cost: $10.00 per table and that include admission for one. General admission is $5.00 per person 
Talkin: 145.390 (-) 
Notes: Free parking, handicapped accessible, refresments.
For more info visit: http://www.ve2clm.ca/hamfesta.htm

York Region Hamfest (Oct. 29 2005)
Sponsored by: The York Region Amateur Radio Club 
Location: Markham Fairgrounds, Markham, ON. McCowan Road at Elgin Mills Road E. 
Opens: Vendors 6:30 a.m. Public 9:00-1:30 p.m. 
Cost: General Admissions $5.00. Vendors-refer to website for table fees. 
Talkin: 145.350- (VE3YRA) 
Notes: YRARC extends an invitation to you to come and particpate in Ontario's Leading Hamfest - 2 large buildings plus a 3rd building holding seminars. 
Exams may also be available to interested parties -- please contact the Hamfest Co-ordinator if you are interested prior to event date. 
The 29th Annual YORK REGION HAMFEST Wheelchair accessible; handicap parking available

For more info visit: http://www.yrarc.on.ca

Ham Radio, Electronic & Computer Swap Meet  (Nov. 6 2005) 
Sponsored by: The Maple Ridge Amateur Radio Club 
Location: 12460 Harris Road Pitt Meadows In the old Rec Hall 1 Block South of the Lougheed Hwy On the left side of Harris Road. Maple Ridge BC
Opens:  9:Am To 12:30PM Doors open for Vendors at 7:30AM Open for public 9AM 
Cost: Tables $20.00 includes ONE Entry Admission $3.00 
Talkin: 146.800 -600 Tone 156.7 
Notes: Pancakes and Sausages served between 8Am & 9Am. Coffee Juice and Do-Nuts served throughout the event.Great Prizes Icom Handheld 2mtr radio.50/50 Draw and many other Prizes 
For more info visit: http://www.qsl.net/ve7rmr

Emergency Management Ontario Amateur Radio Station VE3EMO activation. (Sept. 28 2005)

Amateur radio station (VE3EMO) located at the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (Emergency Management Ontario) will be activated on Sept. 28 2005 at 13:00 hrs. to conduct a test with the city of Cornwall Emergency Services. The primary operating frequency will be 7.055Mhz, if band conditions are poor the secondary operating frequency 3.755Mhz will be used.

ARES or EOC stations are invited to make contact with VE3EMO during the time frame of 13:00 - 14:00hrs on Sept. 28 2005.

Jim Taylor VA3KU
Chief Station Operator
VE3EMO 
Emergency Management Ontario

Flooding update for Churchill River and Northern Manitoba (Sept. 21 2005)

Churchill River

The flood advisory for the Churchill River continues due to record high levels on the river. 

• Levels from Pukatawagan to Leaf Rapids this morning were 2.5 to three feet above previous record highs set in 1997. 
• Levels continue to fall very slowly at Pukatawagan but should decline faster next week as the Saskatchewan Water Authority has reduced water flows from Reindeer Lake in recent days. 
• Levels from Granville Lake to Leaf Rapids continue to rise but should be less than half a foot, with crests expected at the end of this week. 
• Primary dikes at Pukatawagan and at Leaf Rapids area are holding and private dikes along the river are being closely monitored. 
• There have been no reports of flooded homes but the Churchill River flood is affecting private air transportation, the fishery and recreation. Many docks and float plane bases are unserviceable, and lodges and outfitters are experiencing difficulties. 
• The level of Southern Indian Lake has risen temporarily due to wind but will continue to decline very slowly. 

The Pas Area

Extensive flooding of lands in the Pasquia Valley near The Pas continues.

• Estimates suggest up to 20,000 acres of cropland and pasture are under water in the Pasquia Valley. 
• There has been little additional rise in water levels in the past two days. 
• While water levels will soon begin to decline, significant flooding will continue until late September. 
• Manitoba Water Stewardship continues to operate large pumps at various locations in the valley to reduce water levels. 

• Predicted crests on the Carrot River have been reduced based on information received from Saskatchewan. 
• Additional rises of only half a foot are expected in the Manitoba portion before the crest occurs late this week. 
• The crest in the Bracken area will be about 3.5 feet lower than that of July 2005. 
• At Cul de Sac, about 22 miles west of The Pas, the crest will be similar to that of July. There should be no flooding along the Carrot River although levels are at record highs for this time of year. 

• The crest will be about 3.5 feet lower than for the July 2005 flood. 
• Flooding is not expected but the strong current and high levels may pose a problem for fishers and recreation. 
• Some homes at The Pas have suffered basement flooding due to last weekend’s downpours.

Nova Scotians.....Preparing For Flooding  (Sept. 16 2005)

The provincial Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) is reminding Nova Scotians that flooding can occur at any time following heavy rainfalls.

Nova Scotia is expecting heavy rain and gusting winds this weekend (Saturday, Sept. 17 and Sunday, Sept. 18) as tropical storm Ophelia approaches. The former hurricane was downgraded to a tropical storm on Thursday, Sept. 15, after battering North Carolina. 

Craig MacLaughlan, executive director of EMO, says Nova Scotians should continue to listen for updated weather information or public safety bulletins as the storm progresses but that residents should also take steps to protect against the risk of flooding -- especially if they live in areas prone to the problem.

"It can be as simple as moving furniture and personal property away from possible flood water and securing property that might be swept away or damaged by a flood," said Mr. MacLaughlan.

Residents are also encouraged to ensure that they have access to drinking water in case their regular supply is unavailable or becomes contaminated.

In the event of a flood, EMO says:

• Listen to the radio. Local authorities will issue instructions for those living in the affected areas.
• Know how to turn off your water, gas and electricity in case you are instructed to by local officials. If your main power box is not in a dry, safe area, do not try to turn off your electricity.
• Do not use well water for drinking, cooking or bathing until the water has been tested and you have been advised that it is safe to use.

• Prepare your home and property. Trim dead or diseased branches from trees, secure objects that could be torn loose or blown around.
• Choose a shelter area away from windows for you and your family. A basement, storm cellar or closet beneath the stairs can provide safe shelter in a severe storm.
• Maintain an emergency kit that includes food, a supply of water, clothing, blankets, medication, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, cash and a first aid kit.
• Make advanced arrangements to help a senior or other person in your neighbourhood who may need added assistance.
• Choose a meeting place for you and your family and set up some way to notify each other of whereabouts and safety should you be separated.

If your area is affected by a flood, the two most important concerns are safety and sanitation. Here are some guidelines to help you return home safely:

• Listen to the radio for instructions. Your local municipal office will let you know when it is safe to return to your home.
• If you encounter flooded roads, do not attempt to cross. Right after a storm, floodwaters are at their most dangerous. It only takes six inches of rapidly moving water to knock you off your feet.
• Do not reconnect your gas or electrical supply. Arrange for qualified personnel to inspect and connect these services.
• If you smell gas, leave your home and contact the gas company immediately.
• Check your home carefully for signs of damage, broken glass and other debris.

Any food that has come in contact with flood water must also be discarded. This includes fresh or frozen food, food in boxes or jars, all bottled drinks and any cans that show signs of damage.

For more information on preparing for a weather-related emergency, visit EMO's website at www.gov.ns.ca/emo

Mike Myette
Emergency Measures Organization
902-424-5620
E-mail: myettemj@gov.ns.ca

ARES Ontario HF Net Return to Service (Sept. 24 2005)

It has been reported by the Ontario Section Emergency Coordinator (Robert Gammon VA3RX) that the Sunday evening ARES Ontario net will return to operation at 8:30pm on 3.742Mhz. 

Allan Boyd VE3AJB of Little Current, Manitoulin Island has been appointed the NEW ONTARIO ARES NET MANAGER for the HF. and IRLP Network.

(RAC ARES Ontario)

New Six Metre Repeater for Collingwood Area  (Sept. 8 2005)

A six meter repeater has been installed and is now fully operational near Collingwood, on the 52.150 / 53.150 pair.  PL of 156.7 is required to access. 

The receiver is situated in a prime location (on Niagara escarpment) about 10 air miles from town,  and overlooks the "valley" extending from York region up through to Muskoka / Parry Sound. 

The transmitter is situated remotely,  in the Town of Collingwood proper,  and until a better site (or a good duplexer) is found,  the transmit range is severely limitted.  However initial testing has revealed S9 mobile signals as far away as Midland / Penetang. 

Please feel free to test / use the system.  It is linked full time into the 443.8 VE3RMT repeater in Collingwood, and once the "bugs" are ironed out (tonight or tomorrow),  I'll throw the switch,  and it will be linked full time into 147.105 VE3MBR repeater in Goring as well. 

(Bob VE3INY via Ontars)

Maritime Swap Shop

The Maritime Swap Shop is held every Monday at 7:30pm local time on 3.750 MHz. All station are invited to checkin and post their wants and items for sale. The Maritime Swap Shop list can be found on many places on the internet, here are just a few: The Loyalist City Amateur Radio Club ,  hfradio.net ,    VE1AIC's Home Page  and  Truro Amateur Radio Club

Please Note: The Maritime (on-air) Swap Shop, which was formerly held on Tuesday evenings, will now take place on Monday evenings at 1930 local time on 3750.

Looking for that special piece of radio gear to finish off your ham station? Do you have extra radio gear you'd like to turn into some cash?

Well the place to visit is the 'Ontario Swap Shop' held every Sunday at 12 noon on 7055 kHz and 7:00pm on 3755 kHz. Nick VE3NJG and Ken VE3YK host the hour long program and all amateurs are invited.

The Swap Shop list is posted every Monday on the Trans Provincial Net website, Ontario Swap Shop Listings , the swap shop list can also be found on packet by calling up VE3DID

Introducing the "Ontario Swap Shop Club" a place where you can record your e-mail address or phone number where it will always be available even if you have nothing currently listed on the swap shop. 
 

(Nick VE3NJG)

The Manitoba Repeater Society Swap & Shop
 

This is a bi-weekly net, and listings are posted for four weeks.  Only HAM radio gear & computers may be posted.  www.ve4sss.ca/swapnshop.html

If you are ever in the Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, plan to visit Canada's Secret Nuclear Bunker and take a walk down through history. Want to know more. Read on. Located in Carp Ontario, approximately 30 miles from Ottawa, Canada's capital, is a 100,000 square foot, four story building that you can't see! Buried in an old gravel pit is the secret nuclear bunker that would have housed Canada's federal government in the case of nuclear war. 

The photo shows early stages of construction with levels 100 and 200 almost complete.

The facility was officially known as Canadian Forces Base Carp but it quickly got the nickname of the Diefenbunker after the Prime Minister of the day, John Diefenbaker. Constructed over a 14 -month period between 1959 and 1961, the building contains over 5000 tons of steel and 32,000 cubic feet of concrete. That is more concrete and steel than you'd find in a 10-story building. The building contains 358 rooms and was designed to house 525 people for 30 days in case of nuclear war.

Here is a photo of the main blast doors. 
The two doors on the right are freight doors and normally always kept closed. 
The door on the left is the main door. There is a second similar door inside. 
The two doors act as an air lock and security system. The doors each weigh 4000 lbs.

The facility was part of the military communications system and operated 24 hours a day, 7-days a week, 52 weeks a year, for 32 years. Every message the military sent passed through this facility. There was approximately 120 people, mostly military, in the building at any given time. The primary purpose of the facility was for Continuance of Government in the case of nuclear war. The theory was that if we could continue to govern the country even though we'd been attacked, we were less likely to be attacked in the first place. The facility was decommissioned in 1994 and was in danger of being closed and sealed forever when a group of local citizens took up the cause and the facility is now a private museum dedicated to educating the general public on the cold war. 

Here is a photo of leaving the facility along the 378 foot blast tunnel, back into the daylight again.

Visitors to the museum will see various departmental offices, the CBC studio, the Prime Minister's quarters, various sleeping quarters, the hospital, cafeteria, communications rooms, secret communications center, the huge Bank of Canada vault with its 40 ton door, and much more. 

Here is a photo of the CBC control room equipment. It is still in 100% operational condition.

Amateur radio operators will want to spend some time in the Emergency Radio Room that was originally licensed as VE3GOC and is back on the air as VE3CWM, broadcasting around the world once again from 45 feet under the ground.

Here is a photo of the current Emergency Radio Room now operating as VE3CWM. 
The three blue cabinets are the original cabinets that sat in this room.

The facility is open to the public for guided tours 360 days a year. Informative guides conducted tours daily. Call 613-839-0007 to reserve a place on one of these fascinating walks down through history.

In my off hours, I act as the Manager of Volunteer Services for the Diefenbunker and try to encourage people to become involved in this incredible facility. I also conduct tours on a regular basis. 

For more information call the number above or visit their web site: www.Diefenbunker.ca. 

Visit Brian's website for other interesting articles: www.storm.ca/~ve3uu

The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a "water displacement" compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their Atlas missile parts. The workers were so pleased with the product, they began smuggling (also known as "shrinkage" or "stealing") it out to use at home. The executives decided there might be a consumer market for it and put it in aerosol cans. The rest, as they say, is history. It is a carefully guarded recipe known only to four people. Only one of them is the "brew master."  There are about 2.5 million gallons of the stuff manufactured each year. It gets it's distinctive smell from a fragrance that is added to the brew. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you.

Here are some of the uses: 

• Protects silver from tarnishing 
• Cleans and lubricates guitar string 
• Gets oil spots off concrete driveways 
• Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making it slippery 
• Keeps flies off cows - animals  (goats too! Dave) 
• Restores and cleans chalkboards 
• Removes lipstick stains 
• Removes stains from stainless steel sinks 
• Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill 
• Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing 
• Removes tomato stains from clothing 
• Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots 
• Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors 
• Keeps scissors working smoothly 
• Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide 
• Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers 
• Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open 
• Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close 
• Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers 
• Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles 
• Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans 
• Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons and bicycles for easy handling 
• Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly 
• Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools 
• Removes splattered grease on stove 
• Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging 
• Lubricates prosthetic limbs 
• Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell) 
• Removes all traces of duct tape 
• I have even heard of folks spraying it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain. 
• Florida's favorite use was "cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers 
• The favorite use in the state of New York--WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements. 
• WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states and provinces. 
• Use it for fire ant bites it takes the sting away immediately, and stops the itch. 
• WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls.  Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag. 
• Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! Lipstick is gone! 
• If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap (if you have an old car that has one), it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start. 
• WD-40, long known for its ability to remove leftover tape gunk (sticky label tape), is also a lovely perfume and air freshener. Sprayed liberally on every hinge in the house, it leaves that distinctive clean fresh scent for up to two days. 
• Seriously though, it removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor. 
• Use WD-40 for that nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks. 
• Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! 

(Escarpment Repeater Association)