WHEN disaster strikes and modern communication systems fail, Surrey’s amateur radio operators, or “hams,” stand ready to provide critical communication support.
On June 27 and 28, Surrey Emergency Program Amateur Radio (SEPAR) and Surrey Amateur Radio Communications (SARC) will join thousands of hams across North America for the annual Field Day, a 24-hour exercise that tests emergency communication capabilities under simulated disaster conditions.
Held during Amateur Radio Week (June 21 to 27, as designated by Surrey City Council), Field Day showcases the resilience and self-sufficiency of ham radio operators. Using only emergency power sources, operators will set up stations in parks, schoolyards, and backyards to communicate without relying on commercial infrastructure, embodying the slogan, “When All Else Fails, Ham Radio Works.”
“Amateur Radio plays an integral role in emergency preparedness for Surrey,” said Deputy Chief Shelley Morris of the Surrey Fire Service. “These operators train extensively and maintain a communications room at our Number One fire hall, ensuring backup communications for our operations centre during major disasters, enhancing life safety for our citizens.”
Gord Kirk, SEPAR coordinator, emphasized the decentralized nature of Amateur Radio: “It has no single point of failure—no reliance on the Internet, power utilities, or cell towers. It works when nothing else is available. In partnership with SARC, we provide funding, advanced equipment, and thousands of volunteer hours to support Surrey’s Emergency Program.”
SARC President Steve McLean highlighted the dual purpose of Amateur Radio: “Our hobby’s technical challenges translate into vital emergency communication skills. Our team has previously placed first in our Canadian category, and we’ve even contacted astronauts on the International Space Station during Field Day.”
This year’s event will also feature the Get on the Air (GOTA) initiative, engaging recent graduates of SARC’s Amateur Radio certification course. Notably, a first-of-its-kind 2026 Surrey School Board RF Communications class enabled Grade 11 and 12 students to earn Basic and Honours certifications, with some pursuing technical careers.
With more than 30,000 certified amateur radio operators in Canada and 2.5 million worldwide, the hobby is growing. Over the past three years, SEPAR and SARC have trained more than 500 students nationwide through online classes, fostering emergency preparedness and technical skills.
For more information, visit:
* Surrey Emergency Program Amateur Radio: www.ve7sar.net/separ
* Surrey Amateur Radio Communications: www.ve7sar.net/activities/field-day
* General Amateur Radio Information: www.rac.ca
