The County of Stettler council approved about $7,000 to upgrade emergency services radios that will boost communication between certain agencies. The decision was made at the Aug. 13 regular meeting of council.

Councillors read a memo prepared by Manager of Protective Services Clint Sime requesting funds to upgrade some municipal radios to the Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System (AFRRCS). “Protective Services is requesting approval to upgrade existing AFRRCS radios to include access to encrypted channels used by the RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs to enhance inter-agency communications during joint operations and emergencies,” stated Sime’s memo.

“Increased collaboration between municipal Protective Services, Alberta Sheriffs, and RCMP detachment personnel during incidents such as traffic operations, warrant enforcement, missing persons and emergency responses has highlighted the critical need for secure communication.

“While Protective Services currently operates on the provincial AFRRCS (Alberta First Responders Radio Communication System) network, encrypted talk groups used by the RCMP and Alberta Sheriffs are not accessible without specific hardware and firmware upgrades,” stated Sime, which are the upgrades to be completed if the funds were granted by council.

Sime stated upgrading the radios to access the encrypted channels would increase officer safety, make communications with other agencies smoother, speed information sharing in an emergency and keep the county’s capabilities up to par with provincial standards.

The Government of Alberta noted the AFRRCS is based on the premise of one system for all emergency agencies to use. “The Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System (AFRRCS) is a two-way radio network for first responders in municipal, provincial and First Nations agencies across the province,” stated the Government of Alberta website. “AFRRCS became operational in July, 2016. The system was designed to allow agencies to share talk groups allowing inter-agency communications in a fashion previously unheard of.”

Municipalities across the province have signed onto the AFRRCS system, but have seen price tags for new equipment hit the hundreds of thousands of dollars level. As well, many pieces of infrastructure, such as repeater towers, have been rendered obsolete by the adoption of AFRRCS.

Sime noted a tender was released for the radio upgrades, with one Stettler business responding with a quote of $1,128.15 per radio; it was noted in the report if all radios are upgraded the total tab is projected to be $6,768.90.

Director of Municipal Services Andrew Brysiuk stated the County of Stettler has been looking for access to these encrypted channels for a long time but delays came from the provincial government; the county has finally been granted permission. “We are finally there,” said Brysiuk. Brysiuk stated money for these upgrades was included in the operating budget but this project wasn’t specifically approved, so the request was brought to council.

Coun. James Nibourg agreed the approval has been a long time coming. “It’s good to see that it’s finally come to fruition,’ said Nibourg.

Coun. Dave Grover was concerned the approval took too long. “We should’ve had this a while ago,” said Grover.

Reeve Larry Clarke noted the delay was with the Government of Alberta and the County of Stettler couldn’t do anything about that.

Councillors unanimously approved funds to upgrade the radios in question.