The City of Delta is amending its bylaws to allow for better public safety radio communications.
At its regular meeting last week, council gave first three readings to amend its Delta fire regulation bylaw, Delta bylaw notice enforcement bylaw and its municipal ticketing information bylaws.
The suggested bylaw changes first came to council in July from Delta fire chief Paul Schofield.
According to his report, Schofield said reliable in-building radio coverage is vital for public safety communications during emergencies. First responders rely on clear radio communications to provide effective service, maintain the safety of themselves and fellow first responders and protect public safety. The minimum standard acceptable for first responders is Delivered Audio Quality (DAQ) of 3.4.
“Radio communication that meets DAQ of 3.4 is defined as ‘speech understandable without repetition. Some noise of distortion present,’” said Schofield. “Below this point, speech may not be understandable or it may need to be repeated. In emergency situations, poor radio quality can create significant problems for first responders and the public.”
He said large buildings and new energy efficient construction methods can decrease DAQ levels below 3.4 by blocking or limiting radio signals.
To ensure reliable radio communications, these bylaws will now require specific buildings meet the minimum standard of DAQ.
“Delta will be working with any existing buildings to ensure that they meet the minimum standard,” said Schofield. “The bylaw now allows Delta to install a temporary radio amplification system at the expense of the owner who fails to make necessary repairs to the radio amplification system to ensure the building meets the minimum standard. However, in the case of existing buildings that do not currently meet the standard, staff will pursue the upgrades while considering the fairness of cost implications.”
The cost to achieve the necessary radio amplification in a new high rise building would be approximately $80,000 to $100,000. Staff will work with prospective new developers to ensure all new buildings meet the standard for radio communication clarity.
In supporting the bylaw changes, Coun. Lois Jackson made reference to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City where communication among first responders was severely lacking.
“So many firefighters lost their lives because of poor communication,” said Jackson. “So this has got to be ensured for not only the people in the building, but the safety of our personnel that are in these buildings for whatever reason. I want to make sure this is undertaken as quickly as possible and any building that is not in compliance I want to be reassured that they will be corrected to ensure the safety of our people and our emergency personel.”
City manager Sean McGill said staff, in anticipation of council’s approval, have already started the process.
“Staff are already working with strata’s of the buildings. This is a top priority. The safety of our residents and first responders is of the utmost importance for all of us,” said McGill. “We are looking at funding options, but if we don’t get funding we will fund it and get this done.”
