RCAF Station Coal Harbour

Previously a small outpost, Coal Harbour became a bustling Royal Canadian Air Force Station during World War II. When the base shut down in 1945 much of the military infrastructure was dismantled, and a small maintenance crew remained. Much of the infrastructure became a busy whaling station. As was the case at the Port Hardy base, many airmen who brought their wives to the base built their own cabins and lived in their own houses. These houses are identified as the homes associated with the RCAF Station, although the photo is dated 1947 and most of the members of the air force would no longer have been on the North Island at this time.

BC Archives g-03958

When World War II broke out, Canada perceived a threat on its Pacific Coast from the Japanese. In 1940 the government authorized the establishment of a Royal Canadian Air Force Station at Coal Harbour. The station supported both initially radio operators, and eventually the No. 120 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron.

BC Archives a-142512

BC Archives a-142516

Coal Harbour's 'Jokerville' BC Archives g03242

Although the 'Jokerville' in Port Hardy is better known, the Air Force employees in Coal Harbour also constructed makeshift cabins just off the base so that their wives could join them during their posting. At its height during the war, the population of Coal Harbour reportedly reached about 1500 people. This was a big change for the small outpost, which spent the previous 50 years mainly as a terminus of the Port Hardy - Coal Harbour trail/road and home to the Hole's hotel & store. In 1927 the Port Hardy - Coal Harbour road became passable by motorized vehicles, it wasn't until the Island Copper Mine opened that the road was paved.

BC Archives G03241