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Strathcona County implements Next Generation 9-1-1 network

Dec. 5, 2023, Strathcona County, Alta. – Strathcona County’s Emergency Communications Centre transitioned to the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) network on Oct. 26.

The city said in a press release that it is the first municipality in Canada to make the switch.

While 9-1-1 callers are not expected to experience any differences currently, the new system will provide emergency operators with quicker access to more accurate data to determine the caller’s location and phone number.

The system also has increased backup capabilities if a failure within the system occurs, and it has improved security measures, which the city said was a cornerstone when the software was developed.

“NG9-1-1 gives our emergency operators faster access to more accurate data so we can send help quicker to someone experiencing an emergency,” said Strathcona County Emergency Services Deputy Chief Dawn Nash. “In an emergency, every minute counts so the more information we have, the better we can respond.”

In the future, NG9-1-1 is expected to allow for real-time texting, data, photo and video messaging.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has federally mandated that all 9-1-1 services in Canada must transition to the NG9-1-1 network by March 2025.

“We are proud of our dedicated team who have worked hard over the last several years to prepare Strathcona County for the future of 9-1-1 services,” said Deputy Chief Nash. “Being the first in Canada to transition is a privilege and speaks to our staff, leaders and council’s commitment to our community’s safety.”