N.S. Mobile Radio Project Wins

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--N.S. Mobile Radio Project Wins Bronze Medal

A made-in-Nova Scotia project has been rewarded with a bronze medal at a prestigious Canadian conference.

Nova Scotia's trunked mobile radio network -- which enhances public safety across the province -- received the award at the Technology in Government Distinction Awards ceremony, held recently in Hull, Que.

"I am very proud of all those who took part in this project," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "People worked hard and they have been rewarded for their efforts. In the end, however, the entire province benefits from their work."

The province -- with the support and assistance of emergency groups across Nova Scotia, including many volunteers, and Aliant and Motorola Canada -- began building the system in 1999 and then gradually migrated users in 2000 and 2001.

Today, about 5,000 subscribers use the trunked mobile radio network, and more are coming on stream every year. The network has even expanded outside Nova Scotia, with the City of Fredericton joining last year.

There were 37 award nominations and nine finalists in the Unique Achievement Award category of the Technology in Government Distinction Awards.