CANADA, September 11 -
Summary
- As much as $5 million from the Next Generation 911 (NG911) funding will be made available to help eligible communities transition from local 10-digit emergency numbers to standard three-digit 911 calling
- Administered through the Union of B.C. Municipalities, the funding is part of the Province’s broader $60-million package announced in 2023 to support communities’ transition
- Funding will cover one-time technical, contractual and co-ordination work needed to enable the transition
- Any new service will enable the communities to benefit from the NG911 infrastructure implemented in B.C.
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People in communities that rely on local 10-digit numbers for emergency help will soon have a simpler and consistent way to reach police, fire and ambulance services.
As much as $5 million in Next Generation 911 (NG911) funding will help communities transition to three-digit 911 calling.
“In an emergency, every second counts, and people should not have to remember different local numbers to get help,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “This investment will support more rural, remote and Indigenous communities move to standard 911 calling, making it easier for people to reach fire, police and ambulance services when they need them, regardless of where they live.”
Expanding access to three-digit emergency calling
Most communities in B.C. can already dial 911, but some rural, remote and Indigenous communities still use local 10-digit numbers to reach emergency services. Provincial and federal connectivity investments in broadband and mobile services are helping create the technical conditions needed to expand three-digit emergency calling where local service and routing arrangements can be put in place.
The fund of as much as $5 million, administered through the Union of BC Municipalities, will help eligible communities complete the one-time technical, contractual and enablement work needed to transition to 911, including public education, mapping, signage and fire department enablement in the new areas. It complements B.C.’s ongoing NG911 transition by making access to existing emergency dispatch services simpler and more consistent for residents and visitors. Communities receiving the funding will have services on top of the new NG911 infrastructure.
Quotes:
Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, President of the Haida Nation –
“People here are located in a geographically and culturally unique place, so modernizing emergency services for 911 dialling is welcome progress. I am pleased that the Province is making funding available for communities throughout Haida Gwaii to improve access to emergency services.”
Pauline Rochefort, parliamentary secretary to the secretary of state for rural development –
“Reliable connectivity is about more than keeping people connected: It can be a lifeline when an emergency happens. The federal government has made historic investments to expand high-speed Internet and mobile connectivity across British Columbia, and we’re continuing to work with the Province, communities, and Indigenous partners to build more reliable and resilient networks. Expanding access to 911 is an important part of that broader work to ensure people can stay connected and access the services they depend on, no matter where they live.”
Laanas-Tamara Davidson, MLA for North Coast and Haida Gwaii –
“Modern, equitable networks improve access to emergency services for Indigenous, rural and remote communities, such as those on Haida Gwaii. Three-digit dialing will improve quality of life, peace of mind and community safety for people on Haida Gwaii. The ease of remembering three digits instead of having to search for 10-digit numbers could make the difference for people in life-threatening situations.”
Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness –
“Emergencies are difficult and stressful, and no one needs the added burden of remembering a 10-digit number when they need help urgently. Reliable and accessible communication systems are essential to preparedness, response and recovery. That’s why we’re bringing three-digit 911 access to more communities, including Haida Gwaii, so people can access emergency services more easily and reliably.”
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