The B.C. RCMP is preparing to launch Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) as part of a phased transition led by E-Comm 9-1-1.
The federally mandated transition will replace decades-old infrastructure with digital technology designed to improve emergency communications.
The RCMP said residents will not notice any immediate changes to how they contact police during an emergency.
Callers will continue to reach an E-Comm 9-1-1 operator, who will direct their call to police or the appropriate emergency service.
The only immediate public-facing change will be a new automated callback system operated by E-Comm for calls that are disconnected or abandoned.
The transition will begin Oct. 26 at B.C. RCMP headquarters in Surrey, which provides dispatch services to the Upper Fraser Valley and Mission, and the RCMP’s Island District communications centre in Courtenay.
On Oct. 29, the system will expand to the RCMP’s North District communications centre in Prince George and Southeast District communications centre in Kelowna.
The Prince George centre serves approximately 40 communities across northern B.C., while the Kelowna centre serves approximately 45 communities in southeastern B.C., along with highway patrol, air services and conservation officers.
Coquitlam and Langley RCMP detachments are scheduled to transition Nov. 3.
Future upgrades are expected to allow people to communicate with 9-1-1 operators through real-time text and share streaming video during emergencies.
The system is also expected to provide first responders with more accurate location information.
However, the RCMP said those capabilities are not expected to become available for several years.
“Modernizing our tools and technology is one of the RCMP’s key organizational priorities,” said Supt. Raina Siou, officer in charge of the B.C. RCMP’s Operational Communications Centres program.
“This update to our 9-1-1 systems to support our officers and employees in a constantly evolving policing environment will ensure we keep pace with the demands of modern policing and allow for faster and more efficient response to emergencies.”
“The transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 is a critical step in modernizing how emergency calls are received and managed in British Columbia,” said Nancy Blair, interim president and CEO of E-Comm.
“This work strengthens the reliability of our 9-1-1 system today, while laying the groundwork for future technologies that will better support both the public and first responders.”
The B.C. government announced $150 million in funding in 2023 to support the province’s transition to NG9-1-1.
The rollout is part of a broader national effort to modernize emergency communications infrastructure across Canada.
More information is available on the RCMP’s Next Generation 9-1-1 website.
