Where We’re Going Next (DTI Phase 2, 2024-onwards)
Phase two of the DTI is currently in the development stage, where partners are engaged to design the future of drones together. Phase two is anticipated to be a multi-year project to create a scalable model for the implementation of drone technology that will inform the establishment of drone operations in other locations and geographic contexts. The scope will also expand beyond the delivery of supplies to community members, and scale up the drone operation to address end-to-end delivery from transport hubs, such as airports, to health facilities, and from there on to patients. It is expected that project findings will be transferrable to other sectors, which could lead to exciting climate change resilience implications down the line as well.
Phase two builds on the lessons learned and community feedback obtained in phase one. The process of identifying project goals and challenges continues to be guided and co-led by Stellat’en First Nation and the Village of Fraser Lake (with additional First Nation communities being expected to join soon), in order to make certain the questions being asked and the outcomes of the project will resonate with the populations the project is intended to serve and improve the likelihood of success and sustainability in future real-world applications of drone technology.
In taking a ‘community-to-lab’ approach to the issue of rural and remote healthcare access, the DTI has also continued to build its network of experts across disciplines. Expanded partnerships with the Canadian Advanced Air Mobility BC Consortium, Prince George Airport Authority, and relationships with regulators will ensure rural considerations are accounted for in discussions around the regulations of drone technology. In relation to the latter, medium-sized drones up to 150kg will soon be permitted to fly in Canada, unlocking greater possibilities for phase two.
Furthermore, in response to the interest garnered by the project, the Office of the Vice-President of Research and Innovation at UBC has selected the DTI to become an established research cluster. Researchers across the University are now joining the cluster to help take on the challenge of using drone technology to strengthen health service delivery across rural and remote BC.
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Phase 2 Project Team & Partners
