Proof and Experimental Test Establishment
| Proof and Experimental Test Establishment | |
|---|---|
Centre d’essais et d’expérimentation | |
| Near Nicolet, Quebec in Canada | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Munitions and Weapons Testing |
| Operator | Canadian Army |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
Location of Proof and Experimental Test Establishment | |
| Coordinates | 46°13′16″N 72°38′51″W / 46.22124°N 72.64753°W |
| Area | ~20 km2 (7.7 sq mi) |
| Site history | |
| In use | 1952[1] - Current |
| Test information | |
| Remediation | Partial Remediation of Lac Saint-Pierre |
The Proof and Experimental Test Establishment (French: Centre d’essais et d’expérimentation, or PETE[2]) is a Canadian Forces military weapons testing facility located west of Nicolet, Quebec on the shore of Lake Saint Pierre.[3] The site is operated by General Dynamics Ordinance and Tactical Systems Canada, a major supplier of ammmunition to the Canadian Forces[4].
Lake Saint Pierre firing range
Between 1952 and 2000, the nearby Lake Saint Pierre was used as a firing range. Munitions testing over this period resulted in the accumulation of over 300,000 shells on the lake floor, approximately 8000 of which are unexploded ordinance[5]. The unexploded shells continue to present a danger to the significant number of year-round recreational users of the lake. Cleanup efforts are additionally impeded by the sheer number of shells. They are also made substantially more difficult due to the great environmental importance and the protected status of the lake according to several international agreements[6][7].
The centre still conducts munitions tests close by but no longer in or above the lake[8].
References
- ^ House of Commons (6 May 1999). "House of Commons Committees ENSU (36-1) Evidence Number 120". Retrieved 2013-06-04.
Set up 47 years ago
- ^ Public Works and Government Services Canada (8 October 2009). "PROOF EXPERIMENTAL TEST ESTABLISHMENT". Retrieved 2013-06-04.
- ^ UNITED STATES ARMY TEST AND EVALUATION COMMAND. "MAJOR INTERNATIONAL R&D RANGES AND TEST FACILITIES SUMMARY OF CAPABILITIES" (PDF). Archived from the original on September 15, 2013. Retrieved 2013-06-04.
- ^ "TESTING AND PROOFING". General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems – Canada. Archived from the original on 26 April 2025. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ Ingrid Peritz. "Bombs lie on bed of serene Quebec lake". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on 7 December 2024. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ "Lac Saint Pierre". Service d’information sur les Sites Ramsar.
- ^ "Biosphere Reserve Information LAC SAINT-PIERRE". UNESCO.
- ^ "Marking of Former Firing Range". www.Canada.ca. Archived from the original on 14 January 2025. Retrieved 8 July 2025.