Started back in 2008, the Province is now ready to flip the switch on their long awaited Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System or (AFRRCS)

Alberta Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley says it'll start running Friday, July 1.

The idea is that Police, Fire and EMS  workers, no matter where they're from in the Province will be able to talk to each other over their radios, which is not the case now, as each jurisdiction usually has their own radio operation.

Ganley says the $438-million dollar cost is being picked up solely by the Province.

"In terms of the agencies and municipalities who are coming onto the system, the Province has paid the cost. They are emergency first line responders, so Police, Fire and EMS are allowed to come onto the system for free, we're not charging the municipalities or agencies for that. So, that will be a cost saving to them relative to what the situation is now. Although municipalities and agencies will have to pay to buy the radios."

Ganley says the problem really came into focus during the Fort McMurray fires, when emergency responders from around the Province descended on the Town, and couldn't communicate with each other over their radios.

Marianne Ryan, the Deputy Commissioner of Albertas RCMP says Mounties across the Province will be switching to the new system.

“Our work is done in all of our RCMP units across Alberta, and AFRRCS will provide radio coverage in major urban centres and in the remote locations where public and officer safety are equally critical. While the new radio system is about providing first responders with a vital tool to do their important work, it also demonstrates what can be achieved by multiple partners coming together to work towards a common goal.”

The Province issued a release on (AFRRCS):

Quick facts:

  • Construction on AFRRCS began in 2008 and will be completed this summer.
  • Of the 332 sites, 328 are completed.
  • The total cost of the project was $438 million.
  • The AFRRCS system will help participating first responders to fully co-ordinate joint responses to emergency scenes, improve and integrate radio communication among first responders from different agencies, and reduce the cost of radio system infrastructure.