Breaking News: Environment Canada to permanently shut down VHF Weatheradio (and Hello Weather) on March 16, 2026

Gary Jacek

Gary Jacek

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Dec 11, 2009
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430
Location
Victoria, BC
I don't think I understand.
I agree that cutting back on non-internet/non cell phone services is a bad idea, but....

What's the difference between 'WeatherRadio' and the Weather/WX transmissions from the Coast Guard?
WX radio.JPG


Don't we mostly rely on the Coast Guard WX transmissions as kayakers?

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-c...marine-navigation/facilities-information.html

Victoria MCTS/VAK – Broadcasts
Continuous

Mount Parke Ch21B (2021) Radiotelephony

Watts Point WX1

Bowen Island WX3

Mount Helmcken WX3

North Island
Port Hardy WX3

Mid-Island
Cape Lazo Ch21B (2021)
Click to expand...


Table 2-18 - Prince Rupert MCTS /VAJ - Broadcasts
Mount Hays
Mount Dent
Rose Inlet
Kitimat
Maitland Island Ch21B (2021) Radiotelephony
Klemtu
Van Inlet WX1
Barry Inlet
Dundas Island
Mount Gil
Calvert Island WX2
Cumshewa
Naden Harbour WX3

Mount Ozzard
Esperanza
Holberg Ch21B (2021)
Eliza Dome WX1
Port Alberni
Nootka WX2
Estevan Point WX3
Click to expand...
 
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As I understand it, the Weatheradio service is not the same thing as the Continuous Marine Broadcast that we sea kayakers typically use. I believe the Continuous Marine Broadcast transmissions will continue. I'm fairly certain that the Continuous Marine Broadcast stations are co-located with the DSC relay stations that Canada is required to maintain as part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, meaning there wouldn't be any cost savings for Canada to remove the Continuous Marine Broadcast stations. Even so, this is bad news for inland paddlers and may set a bad precedent for the eventual fate of the marine broadcast!

Weatheradio vs Continuous Marine Broadcast stations:


Alex
 
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I personally don't think this decision is going to impact me in any way, as I don't think I've ever used those frequencies.

For most inland users, I would imagine looking the weather up online makes more sense anyhow, hence the phase-out.
 
CPS said:
I don't think I've ever used those frequencies.
Click to expand...
You've likely used those frequencies as they are standard WX frequencies (WX1 through WX7) on most VHFs, but possibly not listened to the broadcasts from those WeatherRadio transmitters? I think I do listen to NOAA WeatherRadio WX4 (Seattle?) often, here in Victoria.
 
Correct. If I'm in Vernon I probably don't pull out the VHF.

From my understanding all the weather stations I'd pick up on the water are unaffected. Perhaps I am misunderstanding things.

Calling for weather seems... archaic.
 
The messaging on the release notice could have been better. The wording was bound to cause confusion.

Saying that you are "shutting down VHF WeatherRadio" is a lot different than cancelling the continuous marine broadcast that most of us listen to on our VHF, yet that's how a lot of people are reading it.

I was on a paddle on the weekend and one of the paddlers mentioned this story, but in the context of "Did you hear? They are shutting down the VHF marine weather broadcast!! You'll need an InReach to be able to get the weather on the coast now if you are out of cell service".

I recognize that the people that use the service "inland" may have a legitimate concern.
 
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