Space research,
Highwater -1964-1980
The Aeroballistic Laboratory began its operations in Highwater in 1964 under the direction of the world-famous Canadian scientist, Dr. Gerald V. Bull, the Director of the Space Research Institute of McGill University.
The Aeroballistic Laboratory was established in 1961 in support of McGill University's High Altitude Research Project (HARP), a research project sponsored jointly by the United States Army and the Canadian Government.
Later in 1967 and 1968, following many changes in government and university policies, the Institute was phased out and the Space Research Corporation Inc.(U.S.) and the Space Research Corporation (Quebec) Inc.were established and facilities expanded on both sides of the international U.S./Canada border to finally form a 6,000-acre compound.
The company's activities shifted from high altitude research to the development of ordonance products and expanded into the international markets. The company with its head office in Montreal became known worldwide.
For more than a decade, the facility provided hundreds of jobs and contributed greatly to the development of our community.
In June 1980, following controversial political issues and financial hardships, the company declared bankruptcy.
The manufacturing plant has since been acquired by a division of Bombardier Ltée, and the land and test facilities have been sold to Mr. Saab Gabr and are now identified as Space Technologies North Hatley.