Abbotsford Amateur Radio Emergency Services Society

The Abbotsford Amateur Radio Emergency Services Society (AARESS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emergency communications support in the Abbotsford region of British Columbia. The society operates primarily through licensed amateur radio operators and serves the public and government entities, particularly the City of Abbotsford, during emergencies and disasters when conventional communication systems may fail.

History and Background

The society traces its origins back to a radio club first licensed on March 19, 1946. Its club call sign, VE7ASM, reflects the three districts it serves: Abbotsford, Sumas, and Matsqui. This call sign is notable as the oldest continuously held radio club call sign in Canada. The club was inactive during World War II due to the suspension of all amateur radio licenses but reactivated post-war.

Throughout its history, the society has been involved in numerous emergency responses, including:

• The Matsqui Prairie flooding of the Fraser River in 1948
• The centennial flood of Sumas Prairie in 1992
• Significant snowstorms causing highway closures in 1954 and 1995
• Backup communications for the 1982 visit of Pope Paul II to Abbotsford Airport[^4]

In addition to emergency work, the society has a competitive legacy in radio contests such as the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) field day exercises and Pacific Northwest mountain top line of sight communication contests, particularly dominating the six-meter band during its heyday from the 1950s to early 1980s[^4].

Mission and Activities

AARESS exists to provide reliable emergency communication services when conventional infrastructure is compromised, supporting public safety and governmental operations. The society also promotes the art and science of amateur radio by encouraging training, skill development, and proficiency among its members in emergency communications.

Key activities include:

• Operating the VE7ASM repeater located at Abbotsford City Hall to facilitate communication during emergencies
• Offering training and resources for amateur radio licensing and emergency preparedness
• Conducting regular weekly meetings and nets to maintain readiness and member engagement[^1][2][5]

Organizational Structure

The society is governed by an executive and board of directors who oversee its operations. The leadership includes a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and several directors, with designated roles such as Station Master to manage radio operations[^3].

Community and Emergency Role

Abbotsford Amateur Radio Emergency Services Society is an active community of amateur radio operators who volunteer their expertise and equipment to assist in disaster communication needs. The club's efforts strengthen local resilience by providing a communication backbone when other systems fail.

They conduct regular nets and exercises to maintain operational readiness, including:

• Weekly emergency nets on the VE7ASM repeater frequency
• Participation in regional and national communications drills and contests[^5]