In 1944 the Government of Canada built the first of the station buildings at the present site. Since then various structures have been added as the role of the Sable Island Station has expanded.

The station, being a long way from the mainland and often inaccessible due to weather, must be largely self-sufficient. Although only four to five people presently work and live at the station, there is a minimum level of infrastructure needed to maintain life support and capability. The station must have the facilities to generate and distribute power, to carry out routine monitoring and maintenance of buildings and equipment, and to process waste. Station staff must be able to deal with the unexpected. Help is not handy if a vehicle breaks down or siding blows off a building - the station must have the expertise, equipment and materials to make the necessary immediate repairs. Generally, supplies and equipment are delivered to the island by air and by sea. Usually twice a month - weather-permitting - a chartered fixed-wing aircraft transports personnel, fresh food and mail. Bulk materials (such as dry goods, fuel, lumber) and large equipment (such as vehicles, compressors) are delivered by Canadian Coast Guard ship - the annual "sea-lift" - usually in early summer.

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