WHEREAS uninterrupted radio and cell phone communications are essential for the health and safety of residents and for the provision of emergency services in all BC local governments; AND WHEREAS large buildings and structures constructed of reinforced concrete with metal cladding and reflective glass impede the frequency of communication devices and block radio and cell phone signals: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia enact legislation that would require the owners of such buildings to provide, install and maintain the appropriate in-building radio repeater and amplification systems to ensure uninterrupted radio and cell phone use in large concrete structures.
MINISTRY OF HOUSING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT The Building and Safety Policy Branch BSPB is working with the Office of the Fire Commissioner OFC and local governments to evaluate different ways of ensuring effective radio communications for emergency service personnel operating in large steel and concrete structures, including building amplification systems, vehicular repeaters and simplex radios. Fire services, police and ambulance paramedics will be invited to participate in the evaluation. The OFC and BSPB will report back to the Solicitor General and Minister of Housing and Social Development with recommendations.