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ACRD seeks tsunami warning system upgrade

The Alberni Clayoquot Regional District is set to use a refurbished city tsunami warning system at its China Creek Marina and Campground.
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Port Alberni Fire Chief Tim Pley displays the refurbished tsunami warning equipment that will be installed at the China Creek Marina and Campground. The five speaker system was assembled using parts from two decommissioned city systems.

Safety, cost effectiveness and consistency are behind an Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District decision to purchase tsunami warning equipment from the city.

ACRD directors were set to discuss a proposal to make the purchase at a directors meeting on Oct. 9, after the News went to press. If purchased, the equipment will be installed at the China Creek Marina and Campground.

China Creek is heavily populated seasonally and there is a need for a system.

Alberni Communications and Electronics has been recommended to carry out the $5,000 contract.

A new replacement would cost $25,000.

Maintaining a refurbished system would cost $1,000 per year.

The marina already has its own tsunami warning system equipment, which was installed by the Port Alberni Port Authority. But the equipment isn’t connected to the city’s tsunami warning system and may not be triggered at the same time as the city’s.

The new station would be activated at the same time as city-owned stations. The administration of it would also be consistent because the city takes direction from the ACRD’s Alberni Valley Emergency Plan.

The equipment became available after the city recently replaced two of its four 20-year-old systems. There are enough parts left to build a five-speaker system. Though smaller than the standard nine-speaker system, it would effectively serve a smaller area.

reporter@albernivalleynews.com

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