Communication Infrastructure to Link Toronto Pan Am Games

A massive communications network is currently being established for the Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Games. The high-capacity communications infrastructure is being developed by Cisco and other sponsors. According to Cisco chief technology officer Jeff Siefert, the 200-kilometer radius that will be covered by the network is much larger compared to the recently-held Commonwealth Games in Glasgow whose radius only spanned 20 kilometers.

In addition to linking the venues, the communications infrastructure is also going to connect other critical areas. These include the main operations and logistics centre, the technology operations centre and the Pearson International Airport. Services by Cisco will include bringing timing and scoring data systems to the Cisco International Broadcast Centre, two-way teleconferencing and security and accreditation information of the 20,000 volunteers of the Games.

Cisco and the other technology providers are also collaborating with engineering firms to set up their wireless network. Siefert stated the amount of concrete in the competition venues which will be filled with a large number of people will need specialized designs for wireless to work. He added that the endeavor combines knowledge of both technology engineering and structural engineering and showcases how engineering, architecture and technology come together.

B.C.’s Lower Mainland Flood Strategy Gains Support

British Columbia’s Lower Mainland Flood Strategy initiated by the Fraser Basin Council has gained sizable support from public and private sector organizations. The BC Agriculture Council, CN, CP Port Metro Vancouver and Simon Fraser University are among the industry’s organizations that have supported the multi-year initiative aimed at preventing disaster that would damage important infrastructure on the Fraser River floodplain. 

The strategy, which was made public on July 15, acknowledges the insufficiency of the present flood protection measures, most of which were put in place from 1968 to 1995. According to a study conducted by the province, climate change and rising sea levels will result in high water levels and more frequent floods along the Fraser River. The risks faced by the region includes heavy rainfall and snowmelt, river flooding and ocean tsunami. When major disaster strikes, it can potentially destroy public infrastructure like ports, airports, highways and ferry terminals; waste and wastewater infrastructures; hydroelectric telecommunications and oil and gas pipelines. 

Phase I of the flood management strategy, which is set to commence this year and next year, seeks to look at the region’s hazards and risks and review its practices and policies on flood management. Various studies have already been conducted as part of the project’s first phase. Phase 2 is set to take place in 2016 and will focus on funding and implementation. An important component of the plan is to ensure that flood protections in one area of the region won't create problems in another.