Image of an old man with white hair in his radio shack. The shack is filled with radios and computer screens, a window to the right shows a view of buildings in the distantYork Region
Amateur Radio Club
Basic Training Click hereHam Radio Basic
and Advanced
Training
EmComm DetailsEmComm
Providing Emergency
Communications when
all else fails
community service detailsProviding Communications for
Communities
Over 15 events each year

Eric Brown Receives Harvey Bell Award

This year the Harvey Bell Award goes to VE3EB for his many years…

Mount Albert 5K Run

The YRARC Public Service Team attended the annual Mt Albert Sports…

Nobelton Victoria Day May 18 2026

Today the Public Service Team attended the annual Nobelton…

Markham Emergency Preparedness Day – May 3rd

On May 3rd members from the club attended the Markham Emergency…

King Township’s Holiday Markets

This past weekend the radio club's Public Service team volunteered…
Ham radio flea marekt in progress

YRARC HamFest

in /by

YORK REGION AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

46th Annual HAMFEST

Saturday October 31, 2026

Aurora Legion Banquet Hall – Aurora, Ontario

105 Industrial Pkwy NORTH, Aurora, ON

runs off of St. John’s Side road and Wellington St (also known as Aurora Side Rd), east of Yonge St

Admission : $10.00 per person

Doors open to the general public at 9:00 AM.

Talk-in 145.350 –  Tone 103.5 (VE3YRA)

Want to write your Basic or Advanced Exam while at the Hamfest ?

Register prior to October 25, 2026 with Hamfest Co-ordinator a at hamfest@yrarc.org  to be sure we bring enough exams

Refreshments available for a fee

Silent Auction Table

Questions and request for further information can be directed to

EMAIL:  hamfest@yrarc.org               WEB SITE:  https://www.yrarc.org

VENDOR INFORMATION

VENDOR INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

(If unable to do EFT contact Hamfest Coordinator at hamfest@yrarc.org for alternate arrangements).

  • Registration will only be confirmed once both registration form and EFT payment has been received.

NO BOOKINGS WILL BE TAKEN BY email, phone, over the air, or by packet

NO REFUNDS FOR NO SHOWS

  • If you have questions regarding your registration contact the Hamfest Coordinator PRIOR to the event at the e-mail below.

First come first served. Be sure to reserve your space early. We sold out the last two years

We cannot guarantee any specific table or location. 115 ac power is available at SOME tables, BUT WE CANNOT PROMISE anyone that they will have access to it

Allow at least 3 DAYS from the time you submit your registration and payment for confirmation details from Hamfest Coordinator.

MUST pre-register in advance.  We will not be able to accommodate new registrations at the door.

NO REFUNDS FOR CANCELLATIONS AFTER OCTOBER 20, 2026  NO REFUNDS FOR NO SHOWS

Tables – $30 each – includes one admission per table

Additional admissions – $10 each

        

  • Questions regarding your registration ? contact the Hamfest Coordinator PRIOR to the event at hamfest@yrarc.org
  • Any failed payments will be charged an administration fee on top of the replacement of the payment
  • Please – do not make modifications to your table, including table extensions, card tables, boards, etc.
  • The facility does not allow anything to be taped or affixed to any walls or doors in any manner

Register through the online registration form

Make Payment via EFT to treasurer@yrarc.org

Ham radio flea marekt in progress

Public Service

Connecting Our Community Through Amateur Radio

Every year, thousands of people participate in community events throughout York Region. Behind the scenes, reliable communication helps keep these events organized, coordinated, and safe.

That’s where the York Region Amateur Radio Club (YRARC) comes in.

Our volunteer amateur radio operators provide communications support for charity runs, parades, festivals, and other community activities. Positioned throughout an event, our operators help organizers stay connected, report changing conditions, and coordinate assistance when needed.

More Than Just Talking on the Radio

Public Service is one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy amateur radio. It’s an opportunity to put your equipment and skills to practical use, work alongside fellow operators, and make a meaningful contribution to your community.

It’s also an excellent way for newly licensed amateurs to gain experience. You don’t need years of operating knowledge or expensive equipment. Our experienced members are happy to help you get started.

Each event brings new experiences, friendships, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped make something happen.

We Want You to Get Involved!

Are you an amateur radio operator? Come join our Public Service Team. Whether you can help at one event or several throughout the year, your participation makes a difference.

Are you organizing a community event? We would welcome the opportunity to discuss how volunteer amateur radio communications could support your activities.

Contact our Public Service Team: publicservice@yrarc.org

Get on the air. Give back to your community. Be part of something worthwhile.

Emergency Communications

When Everything Else Fails, Amateur Radio Can Still Get Through.

Imagine a major storm sweeping through York Region. Power is out, cellular networks are overwhelmed, and internet connectivity is unavailable. How do you communicate when the systems we depend on every day stop working?

For more than a century, amateur radio operators have demonstrated an ability to communicate independently of conventional infrastructure.

Today, the York Region Amateur Radio Club Emergency Communications (EmComm) Team is carrying that tradition forward.

Preparing for the Unexpected

Our EmComm volunteers develop the skills, equipment, and procedures needed to provide supplementary communications during emergencies.

Through regular training, simulated emergency exercises, and hands-on technical activities, our team practices establishing radio networks, relaying important information, and operating under challenging conditions.

We use a variety of technologies, including traditional voice radio, digital messaging, APRS, and portable communications systems.

But our greatest asset isn’t the equipment. It’s the people who are willing to learn, prepare, and help others.

Be Part of the Solution

Emergency Communications offers amateur radio operators an opportunity to develop valuable skills while contributing to community preparedness.

Whether you’re newly licensed, an experienced operator, or simply fascinated by radio technology and emergency communications, there’s an opportunity to get involved.

You’ll learn practical communications techniques, participate in exercises, explore new technologies, and work alongside others who share an interest in making our communities more resilient.

You don’t need to be an expert to begin. Enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a desire to help are what matter most.

Your Community Needs People Who Are Prepared

We hope emergencies never require our assistance. But if that day comes, we want to be ready.

Are you ready to be part of the team?

Contact YRARC to learn more about our Emergency Communications program, upcoming training activities, and how you can participate.

Learn the skills. Build the connections. Be ready when it matters.

Contact our EmComm Team: emcomm@yrarc.org

Get on the air. Give back to your community. Be part of something worthwhile.

VE3YRK Balloon Tracker Loading latest balloon position…

​

October 20, 2026

  • YRARC Board Meeting (3rd Tuesday)
    October 20, 2026 <hr> 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

    Monthly Board Meeting.


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  • YRARC BOD Meetings
    October 20, 2026 <hr> 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

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October 21, 2026

  • Winlink Wednesday
    October 21, 2026

    YRARC Winlink Wednesday will run every Wednesday from 00:00 to 23:59 not to be confused with the Canadian National Winlink Wednesday. 

    All that is required is to use the Check-In template form and specifically report how you have connected, e.g. Telnet, Packet, VARA, HF, ARDOP, etc. Please confirm which method you used to connect in the check-in email and also your equipment used, Radio, TNC, Soundcard, mode, Operating system, software client. Also if you use an RMS, please state which one worked for you. Winlink Express can be used to send the email, but also for LINUX users, please try out PAT at https://getpat.io/ . Please send your check in emails to me at VA3MCT. I will report back to all the next day on who checked in.

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  • Ragchew Ramble Net
    October 21, 2026 <hr> 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    Check-in for a great chat with fellow hams!

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  • 6M Net
    October 21, 2026 <hr> 8:00 pm - 8:25 pm

    This net operates on 50.135Mhz USB.

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October 22, 2026

  • King Township Senior Active Living Fair
    October 22, 2026 <hr> 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
    Zancor Centre, 1600 15th Sideroad, King City, ON L7B 1A3, Canada

    Provide Communications , management of People, transportation and parking at four different locations.

    Require 8 plus to manage event 

    Event Venue Zancor Centre - King City

    Remote Busing locations x3:
    Schomberg
    Nobelton
    KIng City.


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October 23, 2026

  • Ragchew Ramble Net
    October 23, 2026 <hr> 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    Check-in for a great chat with fellow hams!

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  • Fusion Friday
    October 23, 2026 <hr> 8:00 pm - 8:25 pm

    YRARC Fusion Friday will run every Friday (surprise) at 8:00 PM - 8:25 PM on the VE3YRC Fusion repeater on 147.225MHz. VE3YRC repeater is also connected to the VE3YRC-ROOM, so can be connected through WIRES-X or directly through the repeater. This will initially have no net control and will run as a round-robin net.

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October 26, 2026

  • Ragchew Ramble Net
    October 26, 2026 <hr> 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    Check-in for a great chat with fellow hams!

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October 28, 2026

  • Winlink Wednesday
    October 28, 2026

    YRARC Winlink Wednesday will run every Wednesday from 00:00 to 23:59 not to be confused with the Canadian National Winlink Wednesday. 

    All that is required is to use the Check-In template form and specifically report how you have connected, e.g. Telnet, Packet, VARA, HF, ARDOP, etc. Please confirm which method you used to connect in the check-in email and also your equipment used, Radio, TNC, Soundcard, mode, Operating system, software client. Also if you use an RMS, please state which one worked for you. Winlink Express can be used to send the email, but also for LINUX users, please try out PAT at https://getpat.io/ . Please send your check in emails to me at VA3MCT. I will report back to all the next day on who checked in.

    Add Google Calendar

  • Ragchew Ramble Net
    October 28, 2026 <hr> 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    Check-in for a great chat with fellow hams!

    Add Google Calendar

  • 6M Net
    October 28, 2026 <hr> 8:00 pm - 8:25 pm

    This net operates on 50.135Mhz USB.

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October 30, 2026

  • Ragchew Ramble Net
    October 30, 2026 <hr> 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    Check-in for a great chat with fellow hams!

    Add Google Calendar

  • Fusion Friday
    October 30, 2026 <hr> 8:00 pm - 8:25 pm

    YRARC Fusion Friday will run every Friday (surprise) at 8:00 PM - 8:25 PM on the VE3YRC Fusion repeater on 147.225MHz. VE3YRC repeater is also connected to the VE3YRC-ROOM, so can be connected through WIRES-X or directly through the repeater. This will initially have no net control and will run as a round-robin net.

    Add Google Calendar

October 31, 2026
November 2, 2026

  • Ragchew Ramble Net
    November 2, 2026 <hr> 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

    Check-in for a great chat with fellow hams!

    Add Google Calendar

November 3, 2026

  • YRARC General Meeting (1st Tuesday)
    November 3, 2026 <hr> 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
    Sharon Museum and Gardens, 18974 Leslie St, Sharon, ON L0G 1V0, Canada

    General meeting.
    Club business followed a presentation.


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Become a Ham

We offer training for the multiple-choice test required by the Federal Government.

Join YRARC

Our new members tell us that joining a local club is the best way to make the most of their operator’s certificate.

Repeaters

The club has six active repeaters on both UHF and VHF with support for D-Star, Fusion and DMR

Emergency Frequencies

In the event of an emergency We meet on the VE3YRA VHF (145.350) repeater in case of emergencies. If the repeater is not working, use the repeater output frequency (145.350)

STATS

Number of New Members This year (25)
Number of Active Members (89)
Number of Public Service Events Per Year (15)
Number of Daily Nets (1900+)

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

 

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