Upgrades to 911 system will allow new ways to report emergencies

The B.C. government is investing $150 million into upgrades to modernize the province’s aging 911 emergency system.

The improvements to Next Generation 911 will allow people to contact 911 through new options, such as texting and caller location features.

The government says the upgrades will also make the system more accessible for people who choose to communicate confidentially with emergency services, and for people with disabilities who will be able to use different text media to interact with operators.

The technology is also able to provide real-time accounts of domestic violence and other emergencies which will help dispatchers and improve emergency responses.

“When people experience a life-threatening emergency, they need to know they can count on an accessible and reliable 911 system,” Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said. “Next Generation 911’s advanced technology will help ensure safer and co-ordinated emergency responses. Our $150 million investment will support local governments through a transition to Next Generation 911 to help ensure the safety of people throughout B.C.”

E-Comm, which handles 99 per cent of B.C.’s 911 call volume, is leading Next Generation 911’s implementation in most B.C. municipalities.

Pending approval by the legislative assembly, the $150 million will help offset local governments’ costs for transitioning to Next Generation 911 and be divided into two parts:

• $90 million will be provided to E-Comm for technological upgrades; and
• $60 million will be provided to the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) to defray costs, such as staffing, training and quality assurance.

E-Comm answers 911 calls for 25 of 27 regional districts in B.C. including the Regional District of North Okanagan.