Union of BC Municipalities seeks improvements to 911 service delivery

Oct. 17, 2022, B.C. – The Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) is calling on the provincial government assume greater responsibility for emergency communications.

Following recent disasters, 911 service disruption and increasing call volumes, UBCM president Jen Ford sent recommendations to address the issues related to 911 services delivery through a letter to Minister Mike Farnworth.

These recommendations include a provincial 911 governance model, with local government representation, to address policy and service standard issues; consistent 911 service standards without increasing service costs for local governments; guidance for police, fire and ambulance call takers across B.C; a provincial strategy for the modernization of 911 services, including opportunities to best utilize Next Generation 911 technology and, a 911 call answer levy on cellular devices to address current and future financial challenges associated with the delivery of 911 services.

Last month, UBCM members endorsed resolution 2022-EB42, which is also seeking funding, governance and operational changes to improve 911 service delivery.