January 2021 Update

New IRG repeater at Mount Carleton Park

Another new IRG repeater went on-air  January 5!  Mount Carleton Park (VE9MCP) on 147.120 + is the latest addition, bringing the total number of IRG repeaters to twenty-seven (27).  The new site is near the park headquarters and will provide additional improved coverage in northern New Brunswick.

The new Mt. Carleton repeater  joins Grand Lake (VE9GLA 145.190 -) which was added in December 2019.  At this time, these two new repeaters are stand-alone and cannot yet be linked to other parts of the system.  Planning is underway to reconfigure the IRG Zones at a later date which will include these two new repeaters in the link system.

Thanks to the folks at NB Department of Transportation and Infrastructure for their help with this project.

EMO Exercise Net could happen at any time - without advance notice

Last year, daily nets were held during the first 100 days, initially three times per day, and later once daily at 5:00 pm.  The response was tremendous, with many days seeing over 100 check-ins on the IRG and HF nets.  Although the COVID-19 event is not a communications emergency at this time, we were able to show that amateur radio operators are out there who would be able to help in an emergency.

Many have asked if and when there will be another regular EMO Net.  One unannounced net was held since the conclusion of the daily net, and another one could happen at any day, probably around the 17:00 hour.  In keeping with the desire to simulate a real emergency, there will be no advance notice of the date of the exercise.

Links to official COVID-19 information (updated January 22)

Links to official COVID-19 information, including links to the latest official Proclamation and Mandatory Order, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), WorkSafe NB, and other links.

Latest highlights:
- Zone 4 (Edmundston) will move to "full lockdown" starting 11:59 pm on Saturday, January 23;
- ZONES 1, 2 & 3 (Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton areas) remain at RED Level;
- All other zones remains at ORANGE Level, but are being monitored closely;
- Travel restrictions for those entering New Brunswick are being strengthened.