Winnipeg Amateur Radio Emergency Service

Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Communications, Public Service Communications...

The Winnipeg Amateur Radio Emergency Service (WARES) is a volunteer organization comprised of dedicated amateur radio operators with the goal of providing the City of Winnipeg with emergency communication in times of disaster or widespread communication failure. WARES held its first meeting on May 25, 1994 and is an incorporated "non-profit" organization.

WARES provides its members with training in emergency radio procedures by volunteering its members for public service events, such as the Terry Fox Run, as well as monthly informational meetings and radio exercises.

WARES is also an important part of Winnipeg's Emergency Communication Plan. Wares members participate in River Ice Spotting operations, Sand Bag Site and Reception Centre communications for the city during years when Spring flooding is severe. WARES members also work closely with the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (MEMO) to provide communication links to and from outlying townships during emergencies. WARES members as well as Manitoba ARES members also participate in the CANWARN severe weather spotter program.

WARES is a good place for new amateurs to build their radio skills and practical knowledge as well as for seasoned amateurs to "brush up" on skills learned long ago.

Winnipeg ARES is a volunteer radio communication service available to Federal, Provincial and local governments, as well as non-profit organizations.

How can amateur radio assist your agency or non-profit organization?

In a variety of ways: Do you, or agencies within your organization, need to divert routine communications away from operational or tactical radio channels during an emergency? Does your agency need an organized back-up communications link which can be called into action if your usual communications links become overloaded or disrupted? Are you in need of reliable interagency communications during emergencies? If so, volunteer amateur radio operators can fill the gap.

Does your organization sponsor public-service events such as walk-a-thons? Would reliable communications allow you to sponsor a safer, more coordinated event? If so, amateur radio fits the bill.

Winnipeg ARES operators pride themselves in their professionalism. They are "amateurs" only by virtue of their volunteering their time, skill and equipment at no cost to you to help you meet your needs.

Winnipeg ARES purpose is the establishment of a voluntary group of licensed radio amateurs to assist the civil authorities with emergency communications in times of disaster; and to train and educate licensed amateur radio operators in emergency communications technique and organization.

Does amateur radio work in emergency or public service communications?

Winnipeg ARES operates from a written emergency plan which is updated from time to time. In addition to monthly meetings, training exercises are undertaken by the members, as well as offering their services to various events in and around the City of Winnipeg.

Some of the events that ARES has provided communications for are: the 1994 to 2002 Terry Fox Run, the 1995, 1997, 2002 National Team Handball Championships, the Head of the Red Regatta, the 1996 and 1997 Breast Cancer Run for the Cure, the 1997 to 2011 Parkinson Superwalk, 1996, 1997, 1998 Corporate Rowing Challenge and the 1997 to 2003 Festival du Voyageur Sled Dog Races.