Greater Victoria first responders, and a newly established board of telecommunications board members, can look forward to better communication as their radio system’s upgrades are unveiled in upcoming weeks.
The Capital Region Emergency Service Telecommunications Incorporated (CREST) is responsible for emergency radio communications for 50 agencies in the Capital Region, including fire, police and ambulance services. Annually, the take over 7.5 million calls through their system.
In 2016 they began a $24.5 million upgrade to the system, called P25. This will transfer to an all-digital platform with more reliable technology, better audio clarity and better coverage.
ALSO READ: CREST upgrades almost operational in Capital Region
“2018 was a year of major milestones for CREST and for public safety,” said Gordie Logan, CREST chairman in a statement. “From equipment installations on the new police dispatch centre on southern Vancouver Island to starting the transitioning of 50 public-safety agencies to our next generation (P25) radio system, we continued to work with our partners and contribute to safer communities in the Capital Region.”
The P25 system is scheduled to be unveiled in January 2019. It will be headed by newly elected board members which include:
- Brian Anderson, BC Transit
- Jeri Grant, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area
- Karen Harper, District of Saanich
- Councillor Kyara Kahakauwila, District of Metchosin
- Councillor Gordie Logan, City of Colwood (Board Chair)
- Jeff Lott, RCMP
- Councillor Megan McMath, District of Sooke
- Councillor Tim Morrison, Town of Esquimalt
- Councillor Niall Paltiel, District of Central Saanich
- Councillor Esther Paterson, District of Oak Bay
- Rob Reeleder, Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Area
- Councillor Chad Rintoul, Town of Sidney
- Councillor Karel Roessingh, District of Highlands
- Sandra Sajko, Province of British Columbia
- Mayor David Screech, Town of View Royal
- Councillor Lillian Spzak, City of Langford
- Paul Vallely, BC Emergency Health Services
- Councillor Murray Weisenberger, District of North Saanich
- Councillor Geoff Young, City of Victoria
- Elizabeth Zook, Salt Spring Island Electoral Area
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