[Kapila Jayaweera]

Another alternate would be to use a ham radio. There are repeaters all over mainland including Mapleridge should be able to hit using handheld radio (although I have not tested myself), as well as pretty much anywhere in the country have ham radio repeaters.

One thing is that you have get a ham radio (Amateur Radio) license which is not hard. If anyone interested getting an Amateur Radio license, please contact me and I am help.
Usually marine radios does not cover frequency range that Amateur Radio operates, needs another radio. You can get inexpensive radios since they are widely available even under hundred dollars.