CFB Esquimalt Detachment Matsqui installs flood barrier to protect critical communications hub

Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class L. Chance Sheffield 

— 

The CFB Esquimalt Detachment Matsqui (EDM) has installed a new flood barrier system to protect its vital communication infrastructure. This move comes in response to repeated flooding incidents that have threatened the site’s operations.

EDM, situated on the unceded Matsqui First Nations land near Abbotsford, is designated Ae—a high-risk floodplain by The Federal Emergency Response Plan. Historically, the area has long faced periodic flooding. With the increasing frequency of such events, Canadian Armed Forces officials decided that a more permanent solution was necessary. The Garrison Mayim Flood Barrier (GMFB), chosen for its quick deployment and effectiveness, can protect against floodwaters up to 28 inches.

The barrier’s primary purpose is to safeguard the Transmitter Building, which houses the high-power transmitters crucial for HF and LF communications across the Pacific Ocean. These communications are essential for naval and air operations, especially as they provide an alternative to satellite communications, ensuring continuous connectivity even in adverse conditions.

EDM personnel have been trained to deploy the system, which uses interlocking panels supported by the floodwaters themselves. This simple, yet efficient system can be installed rapidly, minimizing damage during moderate flooding and allowing operations to continue.

EDM test trainings conclude that only a five-member crew, with minimal training, is needed to deploy the entire perimeter of Transmitter Building #12. The crew consists of a team leader, who will direct a distribution and install team to set the GMFB system up in approximately 30 minutes.

Although designed for EDM’s specific needs, the barrier system is transportable and can be deployed to other military installations if required.

The installation of this system marks a proactive step in preserving critical national communications infrastructure against future natural disasters.