New Emergency Radio System for Musquodoboit Valley

Residents in the Musquodoboit Valley now have more reliable emergency services thanks to a new communications system in the Chaswood area.

The $220,000 system has become part of the province's trunked mobile radio network which provides radio communication for many public-safety and public-works services at all levels of government.

The network was put in place in 2001 and covers 95 per cent of Nova Scotia. The tower in this new system is the first to be added to the network.

"Because of land contours, the Musquodoboit Valley was one of the few populated areas in the province where coverage was poor," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "Communication in the Musquodoboit area is now greatly improved for all manner of emergencies including police, fire, medical, and weather."

"The volunteer rural fire departments of the Musquodoboit Valley brought this radio deficiency to our attention, and HRM, through Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, was pleased to partner with the province of Nova Scotia to ensure this vital emergency communications link was provided," said Steve Streatch, municipal councillor for the Eastern Shore-Musquodoboit Valley.

The project is being cost shared by the government of Nova Scotia (87.5 per cent), the Halifax Regional Municipality (12.5 per cent), and the RCMP (donated equipment). The province's contribution is being provided by the departments of Transportation and Public Works, Health, and Natural Resources.