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Camp Sussex was identified early in the conflict as to its importance to the war effort. It's proximity to Halifax and easy access to rail transport were key factors in its expansion.

The camp was built to hold 10,000 men at one time and whole divisions could be easily moved in and out. In additions to sleeping quarters, mess facilities , drill halls, a hospital, service club facilities and expanded training facilities were constructed. In addition to the buildings a complete tent city was erected with water and electrical power. Today this site includes areas in use a ball fields, park land and some businesses located between Leonard Drive and Maple Avenue. One little known feature of the camp was a complete mortar range that was built north of the town adjacent to the MacGregor Brook Road and was in operation until wars end.

Numerous service clubs provided entertainment, movies and religious services. The schedule posted for Dec 1941 included church services on Sunday, movies at the YMCA, Kof C, and the Salvation Amy on Mon to Weds with live entertainment on Thursday night and then movies for Friday and Saturday

Units could be loaded in secrecy and actually be on board ship all within the the same night. however secrecy was very difficult to maintain. The North Shore Regiments history explains the secret meeting held for all the officers in Camp Sussex in May of 1941. They were given the details of their move overseas and sworn to secrecy. One officer left the meeting and returned to his quarters only to be met by his bat man who asked him if he had got all the info on the move overseas. In addition the history goes on to tell about the crowds who greeted them as they moved throught the streets of Halifax to the waterfront prior to embarkation. So much for secrecy!