Earthquake safety has been enhanced along the Connected Coast Network.
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is pleased to announce funding from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to enhance earthquake safety along the Connected Coast Network. Through this collaboration, the SRD will install Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) sensors in high seismic risk areas along the Connected Coast Network route, supplementing NRCan’s national EEW system. The initiative aims to provide crucial seconds of warning to coastal communities before the strongest shaking occurs, enabling the protection of SRD’s infrastructure, and the region’s communities, facilities, and the environment when time is of the essence.
The alerts from the EEW system have the potential to trigger immediate actions by safety systems such as:
- Stopping traffic from driving onto bridges or into tunnels
- diverting incoming air traffic
- allowing surgeons to stop surgery
- closing gas valves
- opening fire hall and ambulance bay doors.
These precautionary measures can mitigate the impact of earthquakes and save lives in the process.
Thanks to the funding provided by Natural Resources Canada, the SRD is deploying 25 Earthquake Early Warning Stations at remote B.C. coast sites along the Connected Coast Network. The collaboration between NRCan and the SRD not only expands the EEW sensor network in remote locations but also enhances the system’s robustness through redundant communication paths. Leveraging the Connected Coast fibre optic communication technology, these sensors will transmit vital data seamlessly.
Currently, 6 sensors are installed, with 5 actively transmitting signals. The remaining sites are scheduled for installation and operation by March 2024.
“The SRD is proud to partner on this project that improves the earthquake safety notifications for all British Columbians,” stated Mark Baker, Chair of the Strathcona Regional District. “Through funding from Natural Resources Canada, we are harnessing innovative technology to provide early warnings that enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of our communities. This initiative underscores our commitment to the safety and well-being of our residents.”
“The Government of Canada’s first priority is the health and safety of Canadians. By supporting the deployment of more Earthquake Early Warning sensors, we are ensuring that emergency services and residents of Strathcona Regional District have the warning they need to respond to earthquakes and their related impacts.” The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
For more information about:
About the SRD | www.srd.ca
About the Connected Coast Network | www.connectedcoast.ca
About Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) | www.earthquakescanada.nrcan.gc.ca/eew-asp/system-en.php