Act now to save VHF radio weather reports

Dear Editor:

People who operate VHF radios, most often found in marine applications, will no doubt be well aware that for many decades now, Environment Canada has broadcast active weather reports to users 24/7 365 days a year.

These reports can all include severe weather warnings, including small craft advisories.

Here in the Okanagan, there are transmitters that ensure Penticton, Summerland, Lake Country, Vernon, Peachland, Kelowna, Lumby and Douglas Lake can receive these VHF radio reports.

This service is also provided across Canada via 230 Weather Radio Canada transmitters.

Currently, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is soliciting feedback on the possible decommissioning of 48 of these 230 transmitters.

The entire Okanagan VHF weather transmitter network is on the list of the potential 48 to be decommissioned.

Other regions in B.C. potentially losing the VHF weather service include Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley, along with the Kamloops area and Logan Lake.

Obviously much of this weather information can also be obtained through a smart phone. However, there are still many areas in our region that do not have a wireless signal available.

I am told this is also a concern for outdoor enthusiasts who use this VHF weather information when engaging in back country activities.

Currently, this potential decommissioning proposal is one that Environment Canada is seeking input on.

For those impacted by this potential policy, you can contact Environment Canada directly by email at ec.radio.ec@canada.ca or by phone 1-877789-7733.