Ontario Government introduces Public Safety Radio Network

Cornwall, Ontario – On October 17, 2019, Premier Doug Ford announced a key step forward in the government’s commitment to supporting the work of frontline and first responders who keep communities safe across the province. Bell Mobility Radio / Motorola Solutions Inc. was the successful bidder to reconstruct Ontario’s Public Safety Radio Network (PSRN). “This historic modernization project is vital to community safety and long overdue – today we are building for the future,” said Premier Ford “This major investment will ensure our provincial frontline and emergency responders can rely on the modern communications network to do what they do best and keep our families and communities safe.”

The contract, valued at $765 million, will involve reconstructing core infrastructure, replacing outdated equipment and maintaining the new radio network. Ontario’s Public Safety Radio Network is one of the largest and most complex public safety networks on the continent, connecting more than 38,000 frontline and emergency responders across 750,000 square kilometres of land, lakes and rivers. The PSRN was last upgraded over 20 years ago. Look at your smartphone now and think about how far mobile technology has advanced since 1998.

“Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry’s brave frontline and emergency personnel depend on reliable and uninterrupted communication when responding to an emergency. Our government will not put the people of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry or our first responders at risk with an unreliable public safety radio network,” said Member of Provincial Parliament Jim McDonell. “This investment in public safety and emergency response will enable quick and effective responses in emergency situations right here in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry.”

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by Jason Setnyk

Jason Setnyk is a high school teacher, journalist, published and award winning author and photographer.