The Toronto Emergency Communications Group's mission is to develop and maintain the leadership and organizational structure necessary to provide auxiliary volunteer radio communications support to the City of Toronto Office of Emergency Management.

When additional or specialized communications are required by the Emergency Operations Centre to support public safety or humanitarian needs

When required, in support of Emergency Management Ontario’s Station VE3EMO during an emergency in the Province of Ontario

When Amateur Radio resources may help facilitate response or recovery in any emergency situation

When lives and property can be protected

When human suffering can be relieved

When Amateur Radio resources may help facilitate effective activities performed for the good of the general public

Principles:

The Toronto EmComm Group strives to enhance the reliability, quality, and professionalism of Amateur Radio Emergency Service personnel through the establishment of training and performance standards, policies, procedures, management, and supervision of Amateur Radio Operators registered with this organization that may be activated to provide communications on behalf of the served agencies and clients requesting our assistance.

Vision:

The Toronto EmComm Group pledges a commitment to preparedness and service in protection of public health, safety and welfare by encouraging innovative leadership and individual responsibility, which enhances the reliability and excellence of Amateur Radio Emergency Communications. We motivate Amateur Radio Operators to excel in all facets of emergency communications and recognize those who exemplify our EmComm philosophy.

Roles and Responsibilities:

1 - Work under the direction and supervision of the City of Toronto Office of Emergency Management. 

2 - Participate in regular exercises sponsored by the City of Toronto Office of Emergency Management.

3 - Develop and maintain a training program to;

Recruit and train interested volunteers from the public and private sectors to become federally licensed amateur radio operators in support of the Toronto EmComm Group goals.

Train radio operators in emergency communications methods and emergency operations centre procedures. 

Design regular simulated emergency exercises to prepare the Toronto EmComm Group in a state of readiness for an actual emergency or disaster response.

4 – Maintain and test, on a weekly basis, radio equipment and antenna systems installed at the City of Toronto Emergency Operations Centre.

5 – Develop and maintain a VHF/UHF linked communications network who can provide coverage for all of Ontario by working with local repeater owners and groups.

6 – Establish and maintain HF communications links with the Ontario Amateur Radio Emergency Service and the National Traffic System.

7 – Provide support to local level community EmComm / ARES groups throughout the province of Ontario. 

8 – Develop and maintain a website presence providing information to the general public, interested groups and individuals on our goals and operational practices in the interest of public safety and community service. 

Jim Taylor, VA3KU
Amateur Radio Program Coordinator
Office of Emergency Management