Correspondence from G. Logan, Chair, CREST Re: Technology Plan
A letter updating the Town on CREST's Technology Plan and the associated capital funding requirements for radio system enhancements.
August 27, 2014
Town of View Royal 45 View Royal Avenue Victoria, BC V9B 1A6
Re: Technology Plan
Dear Mayor and Council,
I am writing to you as a shareholder of CREST to update you regarding the Technology Plan we are working on, the process for its review and approval, and as a follow up to our letter earlier in the summer.
The Technology Plan is a roadmap for continuing to make system enhancements that further improve reliability and coverage for the 2,000 plus men and women who rely on their CREST radios. Components of the communications platform, and radios, are in many instances over a decade old and in need of ever greening. The plan builds on the current infrastructure while taking advantage of new technologies, and 700 MHz spectrum that has become available.
We are currently working with system users to garner their input and support to ensure we meet the unique needs of all public safety groups. Both the Technology Plan and the associated funding to support it was approved by the CREST Board of Directors on May 21st and the next step is to bring it forward for shareholders for funding approval at our EGM scheduled for September 17th. As a technology-based system, CREST needs to evolve with new technologies as they become available and reliable. We believe the plan we're proposing does that at a reasonable cost. All users will benefit through increased capacity, better coverage and audio quality.
| Year | Phase & Scope | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Core radios (Victoria/Esquimalt/Saanich/Oak Bay) | $3.0m |
| 2015 | Core infrastructure(P25-700) | $6.0m |
| Year | Phase & Scope | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | West Shore infrastructure | $3.0m |
| 2017 | Existing infrastructure conversion(P25-VHF) | $3.0m |
| 2017-8 | Others' radios | $8.5m |
The proposed plan is consistent with our strategic priority for efficient and effective technology. In implementing it, we are planning for the future within a funding framework for infrastructure of less than 2% increases per year. However, radio replacement is the responsibility of each user group, which will add to the levies. . The average annual increase for both infrastructure and amortization of radios for the entire system is estimated at 3.8% between 2013 -2020. Based on the project roll out on the previous page you should be planning on acquiring new radios in 2017. Based on what we know to date we believe annual levies for infrastructure and radios for your Fire department are projected to be in the following range:
| Year | Fire** |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 34,902 |
| 2014 | 35,755 |
| 2015 | 39,866 |
| 2016 | 41,655 |
| 2017 | 70,430 |
| 2018 | 63,056 |
| 2019 | 57,649 |
| 2020 | 58,098 |
** This equates to annual averages of 8.93% between 2013 – 2020
If you would like more information on the Technology Plan or on anything else relating to CREST, please contact General Manager Gord Horth at 250-391-6552 or ghorth@crest.ca.
Sincerely,
Gordie Logan Chair of the Board
Cc: CAO, Kim Amema CREST Director Heidi Rast Fire Chief, Paul Hurst