Ontario modernizing its emergency response system

The funding will enable significant technology and infrastructure upgrades to support the transition to a new 9-1-1 communications system know as Next Generation 9-1-1. Once fully implemented, the new system will make it easier to provide additional details about emergency situations such as video from the scene of an accident and to text 9-1-1 when requesting immediate help from police, fire or ambulance services. It will also give emergency operators and dispatchers the ability to identify the location of a call using GPS coordinates, resulting in a safer, faster and more informed emergency response.

Municipalities operate a large portion of the 9-1-1 call centres and have long called for provincial supports to help with a smooth transition to Next Generation 9-1-1, which has been mandated by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission to take place by March 4, 2025.

The province’s new funding will will work with municipalities, First Nations, and the emergency communications sector to support them to purchase required equipment, modernize infrastructure and technology and enhance training at call centres.

The government will continue to work with its partners to ensure a successful transition that meets local needs and will provide dedicated supports to First Nations.