Vancouver/CMEDIA: A much simpler and consistent way to reach police, fire and ambulance services reportedly will soon be provided to British Columbian communities that rely on local 10-digit numbers for emergency help.
Approximately $5 million in Next Generation 911 (NG911) funding will be provided to 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
Although most communities in B.C. can already dial 911, some rural, remote and Indigenous communities still use local 10-digit numbers to reach emergency services.
Technical conditions needed to expand three-digit emergency calling are being helped by provincial and federal connectivity investments in broadband and mobile services to help in the creation of local service and routing arrangements.
Eligible communities would be able to complete the one-time technical, contractual and enablement work needed to transition to 911 by approximately $5 million funding, administered through the Union of BC Municipalities.
Included in the $5 million funding would be public education, mapping, signage and fire department enablement in the new areas complementing 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.
