The North Island Amateur Radio Society is calling on the amateur radio community and any other interested individuals to help sustain a crucial part of the Vancouver Island Trunk System.

After almost 40 years in one of the harshest alpine winter environments anywhere, the Newcastle Ridge repeater building is at the end of its life span. The importance of this site can’t be emphasized enough. As the northern ITS hub it provides six of the 11 site links in the system and ties the northern and southern sections together.

Damage to the aging structure occurred two years ago when in winter the heavily iced 220 link antenna broke off. It went through the roof and a significant amount of water then got into the building. The equipment was unharmed but later inspection revealed serious structural problems that will only worsen. Wood rot is weakening two corners of the building and the floor is seriously sagging. The damage to the building leads to one conclusion – a new building is urgently needed.

The current plan is to replace the structure with a building very similar to what was built in 1980, an 8 x 8 structure which can be prefabricated and then hauled on site for assembly. Particular care will be taken to ensure the strength and durability of the structure.

We are now setting up a group to plan and construct a new building. Anyone is welcome to help, and if you have skills in the building trades your experience is certainly needed. If you would like to be part of the project team please drop me a note – (cranton@shaw.ca).

Even if you can’t hammer or haul you can help with a contribution. Any amount small or large will help us get this project underway.

To make this easy here’s a link to a donations page for this appeal where you can make payments electronically via Pay Pal or by using your credit card..

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

• All donors will be acknowledged on our website as well as receive an emailed certificate of thanks.
• Donations of more than $50 will have their call sign and/or name on a permanent donor plaque located at the repeater site.
• Donations of more than $100 will be acknowledged with a special certificate honouring them as a loyal and esteemed member of the Guardians of Newcastle Ridge generously supporting amateur radio on Vancouver Island.

You can also send contributions with cash or cheque to the address below.

North Island Amateur Radio Society
c/o Ron Boney VE7WBR
2245 Neptune way
Comox, B.C.
V9M 4E8

If you have any questions please drop me an email cranton@shaw.ca and I’ll get back to you with an answer.

All moneys raised are intended for this project but if we have any surplus then those monies will be used as needed at other north island ITS sites.

To see a map of the entire ITS system, click here

Thank you – Chris Anton VE7TOP – Director – NIARS