The Early Cold War
Rebuilding and Transformation

The Canadian navy's main Cold War mission was anti-submarine warfare, as it had been in the two world wars. It sought to build a force of ships, personnel, and facilities to fulfill this mission, as well as to pursue other national objectives like sovereignty protection.

Brooke Claxton Laying Cornerstone, October 1953

Minister of National Defence Brooke Claxton (centre) lays the mortar for the cornerstone of a naval supply depot in Montreal.

In the early 1950s, Canada's expanding navy needed shore facilities as much as it required ships and personnel. The naval supply depot in Lasalle, on Montreal Island, ultimately occupied some 77 acres (31 hectares) and contained six large warehouses of over 11,000 square metres each to receive, store, and ship naval supplies. The site also contained administration and service buildings, including a heating plant and water tower.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19770661-034