Sable Island Station

(February 2003, revised January 2006)

The Sable Island Station is the only permanently staffed facility on the Island. For many decades it was referred to as "the weather station". Indeed, for many decades the operation's primary role on the island was the collection of "weather data". Climatological record-keeping on Sable Island began in 1871 with the establishment of the Meteorological Service of Canada, and has been continuous since 1891 - one of the longest continuous collections of weather data in the Maritimes. Strategically, the Sable Island Station is important, providing critical data used in weather forecasting. For example, the island is in the path of major east coast storms that sweep over the Northwest Atlantic in winter. In February 1982, the storm that sunk the Ocean Ranger passed over Sable Island before it hit Newfoundland’s east coast.

It is, however, far more than a weather station. Although the primary responsibilities and activities of staff at the Sable Island Station include collection of surface weather and aerological observations, during the last few decades the Station's role has greatly expanded. As the only continuous human presence on the island, the Station provides year-round stewardship, as well as infrastructure and expertise enabling a wide range of programs relevant to issues of sovereignty, safety, terrestrial, marine and atmospheric environment, and heritage. The Station has become both a base for national and international atmospheric and climatological research and monitoring, and an infrastructure for all other groups operating on the island. Some groups require more support than others, but generally the Station provides electricity; water treatment and supply; sewage treatment and disposal; storage, transport, and disposal of unburnable waste and recyclable materials; materials, tools, and expertise; transport of freight and personnel; a variety of radio communications as well as a satellite link to the mainland; emergency vehicle and building repairs; ground support for aircraft operations, both fixed-wing and helicopter; and on-island rescue service and first aid assistance.

Station staff occasionally represent the Canadian Coast Guard in roles that range from ensuring that only authorized people visit the island, to acting on its behalf during offshore emergencies. The latter includes providing logistical support with refueling, weather and communication services, and taking care of shipwreck survivors and offshore platform evacuees. Also, Station staff have represented and assisted other government departments, for example, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police during incidents involving drugs and drug smuggling paraphernalia, and Customs & Immigration when foreign nationals have entered Canada through Sable Island.

Although the Sable Island Station is managed and staffed by Environment Canada, it is part of a broader community of interests and operators that includes several levels of government, academia, marine industries and public interest groups. For the many university, government, industry and private researchers who work on the island at various times of the year, as well as for the numerous visiting media groups and artists, both from Canada and abroad, the Station enables safe and cost-effective operations. And for Sable Island itself - for the island's vulnerable terrain, flora and fauna - the Station and staff ensure that activities are monitored and environmental impacts are minimized. The Sable Island Station is essential for the long-term protection and conservation of this unique landscape.  

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