Grant Deme photo, MBC News
Smiths Falls Police are preparing to move communications equipment from the town’s old water tower as the century-old structure heads toward demolition.
Police Chief Jodi Empey says the service expects to have its equipment installed on the new water tower and linked to the tower at Town Hall by the end of September.
The work is needed because the police radio system currently relies on some newer equipment at the old tower, while older equipment that’s no longer being used will come down.
The town has approved up to $400,000 for demolition and removal of the decommissioned structure.
Empey says the new setup is expected to provide strong coverage across Smiths Falls, while also giving police additional backup through the two-tower system.
Empey said they’ll then test portable radios throughout the community once the equipment is installed.
Phase one of the communications work is expected to cost just over $45,000, within a $50,000 budget. A further $10,000 is expected to be needed for the tower link which Empey says they could take from reserves.
