The sensor will be among hundreds that will eventually give Canadians living in at-risk regions extra seconds to prepare for a major earthquake.

Canada is in the process of developing its earthquake early warning system, meant to detect shaking and send notifications that could buy the crucial seconds that save lives.

The first-of-its kind warning sensors are installed along the Cascadia subduction zone and when fully operating next March will be able to estimate location and magnitude of a megathrust earthquake.