Are There Any Closed Cities in Canada?
Canada, known for its vast open spaces and tolerance, has a diverse range of areas that may have restricted access due to their strategic importance or specific industries. These areas often include military bases, research facilities, and former mining towns. In this article, we will explore some notable examples of these locations and what it means to have restricted access in Canada.
Military and Restricted Areas in Canada
Canada has a few cities and settlements that are not entirely open to the public due to their military and industrial significance. These locations often serve as bases for military operations, research, and essential operations that require advanced security measures.
Alert, Nunavut
Located on the top of the world, Alert is the northernmost permanently inhabited place in the world. This location serves as a military installation for the Canadian Forces, primarily conducting research and operations. Access to Alert is highly restricted and therefore, tourists and researchers require special permission to enter.
CFB Suffield, Alberta
CFB Suffield, situated in Alberta, is a Canadian Forces Base that hosts military training and research. While public access is not entirely forbidden, it is severely limited to authorized personnel only. Visitors typically need to secure special permissions or move on after a certain time to continue with their activities.
CFS Leitrim, Near Ottawa
Near Ottawa, CFS Leitrim is a Canadian Forces Station primarily involved in military communications. This location is not open to the general public and requires special permission to enter, emphasizing the need for restricted access for security and operational reasons.
Port Radium, Northwest Territories
Port Radium, a former mining town, operated during the era of uranium mining but has since been closed due to depleted mineral resources. This town is not accessible to the public, highlighting the importance of restricted access in maintaining safety and protecting historical and environmental sites.
Historical Context: The Soviet Union and Beyond
Historically, the Soviet Union had numerous closed cities, often referred to as glavsekretno (secret cities) or nepodleglye goroda (unsubordinate cities). These regions were established to protect the country's classified military and industrial operations from espionage and foreign intrusion. In Canada, while there have been military and research installations with restricted access, the number of such locations is relatively fewer.
What Constitutes a “Closed City”?
The term “closed city” can mean different things in different contexts. In a strict military context, certain areas such as Alert on Ellesmere Island, a settlement known for its harsh conditions, would be considered “closed” due to the extreme weather and because it is only accessible with special permission.
Ellesmere Island
Specifically, the three settlements on Ellesmere Island would be representative of areas with restricted access. Particularly, Alert, Canada’s northernmost inhabited location, typically only accessible with proper permissions and often used for military operations, research, and advanced communication activities. Access to these areas is strictly controlled to ensure the safety and security of the personnel stationed there and to protect sensitive information and operations.
While Canada does not have an official system of “closed cities,” areas with restricted access are common and serve important national and strategic purposes.
Conclusion
Despite the common perception of open and welcoming spaces, Canada has several locations that require special permission or are off-limits to the public. These areas include military bases, research stations, and historical sites that need stringent security measures. Understanding the reasons behind these restrictions can provide insight into the important work being done to protect national security, maintain research integrity, and preserve historical and environmental heritage.