2024 R56 – Enhancing Communications for Fire Departments Responding to Motor Vehicle Incidents

Whereas fire departments play a crucial role in responding to motor vehicle incidents outside of fire protection boundaries on behalf of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) and that both EMCR and the local government have a shared responsibility for the health and safety of responders;

And whereas one of the significant challenges faced by local fire departments is the lack of adequate [or any] communications infrastructure in the areas they respond to, making it difficult for responders to coordinate their efforts, request additional resources, or seek assistance from other agencies and hampering the effectiveness and efficiency of response operations, potentially compromising the safety of both responders and the public:

Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urgently request the Province of British Columbia to provide modern and reliable communications, such as low-earth orbit satellite internet, to responding agencies that are handling motor vehicle incidents on the Province’s behalf to ensure seamless communication and enhance the safety and effectiveness of responders;

And be it further resolved that the Province of British Columbia collaborate with telecommunication providers to improve overall communications infrastructure in areas where motor vehicle incidents occur frequently including expanding coverage, improving network reliability, and exploring innovative solutions to address communication challenges in remote and underserved areas.