L to R: : Peter Hammerl, Gary Notto, Clr. Jeff Beattie, John David, Lt. Jaskaran Bahia
HAMILTON, ON — Over the weekend of June 28–29, local amateur radio operators from across Hamilton and Burlington took part in Ham Radio Field Day 2025—an annual event that brought together radio enthusiasts, public officials, and curious community members for two days of real-time broadcasting, technical demonstrations, and emergency simulation.
Also known as “amateur radio,” Ham radio is more than a hobby—it is a vital communication tool used in times of disaster, when internet or cellular networks fail. It allows licensed individuals to transmit voice, data, and images using radio frequencies across short or long distances, without the need for commercial infrastructure.
Participants set up temporary stations in outdoor public spaces, operating on emergency power sources and using portable antennas. The event served as both a social gathering and a test of readiness, reinforcing the role amateur radio plays in emergency response networks. As with last year, this year’s Field Day was once again a joint effort between the Canadian military and members of the Hamilton Amateur Radio Club. This successful collaboration was made possible through the leadership and coordination of Club members Gary Notto and John David and the receptiveness of Lt. Jaskaran Bahia.
Ham radio offers numerous benefits:
Emergency resilience: Operators can function off-grid during natural disasters.
Lifelong learning: It fosters technical skills in electronics, physics, and communication.
Community service: Hams assist with public events, crisis response, and international goodwill.
To become a licensed amateur radio operator in Canada, individuals must pass the Canadian Amateur Radio Basic Exam, which covers electronics theory, safety regulations, and operating protocols.
One of the event’s highlights was a visit from Ward 10 Councillor Jeff Beattie, who engaged with operators, learned about the equipment, and even had an on-air communication. His presence underscored the importance of amateur radio in civic preparedness and community-building. This was Jeff''s second field day, having participated in 2024 as well.
Peter Hammerl, President of the Hamilton Amateur Radio Club stated" Field day is a great opportunity for operators and non operators to learn about amateur radio. It is a great hobby and an important part of emergency preparedness. The Hamilton Amateur Radio Club encourages new members and can assist you in obtaining your license. "
For those interested in exploring the hobby or earning their own call sign, local amateur radio clubs and the RAC offer training, mentorship, and exam preparation, the Hamilton Amateur Radio Club website can be found here.
Even in a digital age, Ham radio remains a powerful tool for connection, learning, and public safety—and Field Day 2025 proved just that.
For more information about writing your exam, click here.
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