Ponoka County to adopt new radio system for first responders

PONOKA COUNTY -- Ponoka County will be adopting a new radio system for its first responders this coming January.

The decision to transition from the old system to the Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System was rendered by Ponoka County Council at their regular meeting in early September. AFFRACS serves as a province-wide digitally encrypted radio network designed to provide reliable, interoperable communications for emergency responders. Protective Services Coordinator Donna Noble says the switch will better equip local firefighters.

"It's a system that all of the first responders can connect to. EMS are on it right now, as are the RCMP. So, it gives us that little bit of extra connectivity, access to more towers, and access to fewer dead zones," said Noble. "We have some areas out in our west district area, where they get into the dead zones where they can hardly talk to each other on scene. We have, depending on the weather, had circumstances where we haven't even been able to call out from our fire hall."

Noble says that over the past decade, there have been two incidents where poor radio coverage created communication difficulties. One of these incidents involved a wildland fire where communication between firefighters was significantly impacted, resulting in serious challenges. The county's existing radios have an anticipated lifespan of approximately ten years and are now approaching the end of that period.

"With the volume of traffic and the volume of calls, and the vast expanse of the county, this is going to become a better system for us," said Noble. "Especially when our neighbouring mutual aid partners from Lacombe, Clearwater, and Wetaksiwin have transitioned over to AFFRACS already."

AFRRCS is operated by the province and provides additional capabilities, including radio tracking, geo-fencing, and encrypted communications. It would also improve interoperability with other emergency services, including EMS and Alberta Wildfire, reducing the need to communicate between agencies solely through dispatch. 

In her report to County Council, Noble estimated the cost to upgrade the county's existing radio system is $153,037, compared with approximately $216,618 to transition to AFRRCS. She says that annual operating costs will decrease by approximately $11,830, as the county would no longer be responsible for its current radio licensing and tower rental costs.