Chair's Message

Looking back on the past quarter, the CREST system once again performed to an extremely high level during Canada Day celebrations. We also released our 2010/11 Annual Report showing:

• System improvements made;
• Steps taken to increase user understanding and satisfaction;
• The increased use and performance of the CREST system; and
• Our stable financial position.

In the next quarter, we will be going live with a new transmit and receive site on North Saltspring Island. This site will significantly enhance coverage for police, fire and ambulance working in the mountainous terrain of this area. 

Radio Kit Available for Disasters & Special Events

Recognizing that disasters such as forest fires and oil spills,  and special events such as festivals, races, etc. can require additional resources from many organizations, CREST has established a kit  of 20 pre-programmed radios that are available to any user at no charge. VicPD used the kit with success at this year's Canada Day celebrations. Click here for information or to request the kit.

Discounted Radios Available for Sale

CREST has 48 radios available for sale at discounted rates. There are:

• 13 used XTS3000 portables,
• 20 used, but virtually new, XTS1500 Model 1.5 (display) portables,
• 12 new XTS1500 Model 1.5 (display) portables, and
• 3 used Astro Spectra mobiles.

To purchase any of these radios or for more information. 

On-line Training Coming Soon

Last year's user satisfaction survey told us users wanted more training on the use of the CREST radios and the interoperability capability they offer. To that end, we will be launching a series of on-line training modules. These modules can be used as training tools by user agencies or as refreshers for individuals. Having them on-line makes them easy to access and available 24/7 --  features that support the job demands of CREST's users. Stay tuned for their availability - coming soon.

Learning From Others

CREST engages in continuous learning from experts in the field,  other organizations, forums and more. Recent examples include a forum of public service technology providers & policy-makers hosted by Network BC, and meetings with E-Comm and Seattle Metro. 

The Network BC forum looked at opportunities for infrastructure sharing, collaboration and consolidation. As our Lower Mainland counterpart, discussions with E-Comm explored opportunities to collaborate on each others' expansion and upgrade plans. And, in working towards introducing the P25 platform (an open radio system standard), staff met with Seattle Metro to learn from their experience in launching P25 late last year. 

By staying current on new technology developments and continually exploring opportunities to maximize the system's efficiency and effectiveness, both CREST shareholders and users benefit.

Welcome New Co-op Students

CREST is once againing benefiting from the talents of UVic's co-op students. We welcome Chrispin Ng'ang'a and Justin Saukarookoff -- both in their 4th year of electrical engineering at UVic. Chrispin and Justin will be with us for the next few months doing site interference analysis, troubleshooting field issues, testing radio performance and more.