Resolution EM8-08S

Alberta First Responders Radio Communication System

Date:

January 2008

Expiry Date:

December 2010

Current Status:

Issue Related

Sponsors:

 

District:

 

Year:

2008

Convention:

Spring

Category:

Emergency Services

Status:

Issue Related

Vote Results:

N/A

Preamble:

 

Operative Clause:

 

Member Background:

 

RMA Background:

 
Government Response:
None reported.

Development:

The Alberta First Responders Radio Communication System (AFRRCS) will be a province-wide radio communication system meant for all first responders. While first developed to replace the current RCMP communications system, allowing access to all will increase public safety and communication province-wide.

In 2011, after a number of delays, a contract was signed to construct the system. In 2011, a governance committee will be established to operate the system and put policies in place for its operation. the AAMDC will advocate for municipal representation on this committee. The build-out will take place over 2012 and 2013, utilizing existing towers as well as some new towers. There will be no requirement for municipalities to use the system, but they will be able to take part if they so choose.

As the system is begins the build-out phase, the AAMDC will be looking at ways to assist our membership in using the opportunity brought with the new towers. Future projects will be considered to assist with the transition.

Provincial Ministries:

None reported.

Provincial Boards and Organizations:

None reported.
Federal Ministries and Bodies:
None reported.

Internal Notes:

The project ran into challenges in 2009, with delays including the decision that of two proposals, none met the minimum requirements laid out in the RFP. Changes were made and the evaluation committee is moving forward once again on the proposals. The AAMDC was invited to take part in the evaluation committee, however time demands exceeded what the AAMDC was able to offer. As such, a representative from the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association will be representating rural first responder needs on the evaluating committee.

The Alberta First Responders Radio Communication System (AFRRCS) will be a province-wide radio communication system meant for all first responders. While first developed to replace the current RCMP communications system, allowing access to all will increase public safety and communication province-wide.

In 2011, after a number of delays, a contract was signed to construct the system. In 2011, a governance committee will be established to operate the system and put policies in place for its operation. the AAMDC will advocate for municipal representation on this committee. The build-out will take place over 2012 and 2013, utilizing existing towers as well as some new towers. There will be no requirement for municipalities to use the system, but they will be able to take part if they so choose.

As the system is begins the build-out phase, the AAMDC will be looking at ways to assist our membership in using the opportunity brought with the new towers. Future projects will be considered to assist with the transition.