Cecil Doutre, the Dominion Superintendent of Wireless Stations for the Department of Marine and Fisheries, obtained approval to establish a chain of wireless stations between Vancouver and Prince Rupert.

 

In 1906, Mr. Doutre and Mr. Eddie Hughes made a site selection tour aboard the CGS Quadra, and selected Gonzales Hill (Victoria), Pachena Point at the entrance to Juan de Fuca Strait, Estevan Point, Triangle Island, Ikeda Head and Digby Island close to Prince Rupert.

 

On July 20, 1907, the SS Maude sailed from Victoria with material and personnel to build the wireless station. SS Quadra also left on July 20 with Doutre on board for site inspection.

 

Establishment of the chain of six coast stations on the west coast was completed in 1908. The one in Pachena was not put back into operation until 1910, with the call sign "KPD", and the operator-in-charge was A. Buchanan assisted by C. Kennedy.
 

In December of the same year, Cecil Doutre was promoted to Departmental Agent for Purchasing and Contracts. He was replaced by C.P. Edwards, who was proficient in both Morse code and landline telegraphy, and had good knowledge of wireless operations.
 

In 1910, the Department's Wireless Telegraphy Division was incorporated into the new Department of the Naval Service.