KAPUSKASING, Ontario, Sept. 29, 2004 -- Brent St. Denis, Member of Parliament for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, the completion of Canada's cross-country network of weather radars with the final addition of the Northeast Ontario radar facility. There are now 31 Doppler Radars included in the Canadian network. "The Doppler Radar network's completion is an important step in the modernization of weather forecasting in enhancing our ability to forecast severe weather across Canada," said Minister Dion. "More than 98% of the Canadian population will receive more accurate and timely weather warnings, enabling them to take action to ensure their health, safety and security. For instance, advance information on storms like the remnants of Hurricane Frances and the tornadoes we experienced this summer can reduce the likelihood of injuries and even save lives." "I am excited with the completion of this radar network and what it means to Canadians, particularly those living in Northeastern Ontario, where weather information is so important," said Mr. St. Denis. "We have vast distances between population centres here, so sophisticated equipment that can cover large areas is very important for the people who live in this part of Canada." Doppler Radars allow for the detection of high-impact weather from as far away as 250 kilometres and enable forecasters to ascertain the severity of a weather event with much greater precision. They are one of the key technologies used by Environment Canada's Meteorological Service for enhancing the speed and accuracy of forecasting severe weather events such as blizzards, tornadoes, freezing rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, hurricanes, hail and heavy snow or rain. The new network of Doppler weather radars enables meteorologists to provide better forecasts of significant precipitation events to rural and urban areas threatened by heavy rainfalls. These improvements can lead to better flood predictions, which will result in better management of storm sewer runoff, reduced water pollution episodes and improved warnings to those threatened by floods. Federal, provincial and municipal emergency measure organizations and weather sensitive industries will benefit from receiving more lead time to respond to severe weather impacts, resulting in increased safety and decreased costs. Whether it is for business, family or pleasure, Canadians have access to the tools to make daily decisions based on the latest weather information. Daily weather forecasts, severe weather warnings, real time radar imagery, air quality forecasts and other vital weather information is available on Canada's most popular on-line service by visiting Environment Canada's Web site at http://www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca . With the completion of the final Canadian Doppler Radar, Environment Canada has met its goal of a Doppler Radar network providing coverage over all major populated areas in Canada and areas with significant potential for severe weather. The $34.9 million project began in 1997. The Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) has, since its formation in 1871, continuously adapted to and taken advantage of the latest technologies and the best science available to maximize its service to Canadians. MSC researchers have already embarked on the development and piloting of a more sophisticated radar system at the King City installation. This next technological enhancement, called dual polarization, is expected to result in far better detection of high impact weather, such as the discrimination of rain from hail and of the various precipitation types in winter storms, and quantitative precipitation estimates that are more reliable. - 30 - For further information: Jack Saunders Communications Advisor/ Media Relations Environment Canada Ontario Region Tel. : (416) 739-4785, E-mail: jack.saunders@ec.gc.ca Ron Huibers Manager Air Monitoring and Operations Division Environment Canada Ontario Region Tel.: (416) 739-4505 E-mail: ron.huibers@ec.gc.ca
