CSS Building

In 1960, NATO and the Canadian Department of National Defense built a satellite communications (SAT COM) station at 2336 Craig’s Side Road in Carp. It supports a 68-foot diameter metal space frame radar dome (radome) on its roof, which provides environmental protection for the 50-foot diameter SATCOM antenna it houses. The antenna provided satellite communications between all NATO countries until 1999 when NATO and the DND decommissioned the site.

In 1999, it was purchased by Canadian Space Services Ltd. to serve as its corporate headquarters and training ground for employees. Today, it is owned by CSS Building, which rents interior space to various local businesses and provides event space for meeting, workshops and parties.

The five-acre property currently has four domes on it that vary in size from 68 feet in diameter to 10 feet in diameter. A guided tour inside the building allows visitors to see inside the two small cabins’ antenna to view a section wave guide and the servo motors. Tours around the grounds and inside the building are available by appointment.

Location and contact

CSS BUILDING INC.

In-person visiting hours

*Follow building health protocols.

  • Sunday, June 4 2023
    10am to 4pm

Virtual and 3D Tours

*Some content may not be available in both official languages.

  • The 60-year-old NATO SATCOM building was part of CFB Carp until decommissioning. Today, the antenna is used for radio astronomy.
    CSS Building, photo credit: Allan Duncan
  • The 42-foot antenna supported by the pedestal.
    Antenna and pedestal, photo credit: Richard Speck.
  • A mural of a blue man in red shirt playing a cornet.
    Blue Man mural, photo credit: Allan Duncan.
  • The 60-year-old NATO SATCOM building was part of CFB Carp until decommissioning. Today, the antenna is used for radio astronomy.
    CSS Building, photo credit: Allan Duncan
  • The 42-foot antenna supported by the pedestal.
    Antenna and pedestal, photo credit: Richard Speck.
  • A mural of a blue man in red shirt playing a cornet.
    Blue Man mural, photo credit: Allan Duncan.

Architecture

Architect/Builder on record
NATO SATCOM - SEL (ITALY)
Architectural style
Brutalism
Construction date or date range
1963
Category
Business and/or foundations

Amenities and features

  • Public washrooms
  • Accessible access
  • Free parking
  • Bike parking
  • Family friendly
  • Guided tours
  • OC transpo nearby