Perth East and West Perth fire departments launch of Next Generation 911

The Perth East and West Perth fire departments have launched Next Generation 911 services in partnership with the Owen Sound emergency communications centre. Photo courtesy of Perth East/West Perth Fire Department

By Amanda Modaragamage

The Perth East and West Perth fire departments, in partnership with the Owen Sound Police Service (OSPS), have launched Next Generation 911 (NG911) at the Owen Sound emergency communications centre (OSECC), a move aimed at strengthening public safety and emergency response.

NG911 uses advanced geolocation – GPS, WiFi and device-based hybrid location information – rather than relying solely on cell-tower triangulation. Dispatchers receive more precise caller locations, which speeds up response times and reduces misrouted calls.

“I’m pleased to share that the Perth East / West Perth fire departments are moving forward with the

launch of NG911. This upgrade will enhance reliability, improve response capabilities and ensure that residents in our response area have access to the most modern emergency communication system available,” said Perth East and West Perth Fire Chief Bill Hunter in a press release.

“Calls are routed based on exact geographic coordinates instead of cell-tower boundaries, helping to streamline border calls and will allow for better coordination across police, fire and EMS agencies,” added Suzanne Bell-Matheson, director of corporate services at the Owen Sound emergency communications centre.

While dialling 911 remains unchanged for callers, the new technology provides faster, more reliable help when people need it most.

“Most residents will not notice any major changes right now when they call 911,” said Bell-Matheson. “Most of the upgrades that are taking place today are behind the scenes and are focused on infrastructure. Calling 911 still works the same way as it did yesterday; you dial the same number, speak with a call-taker, provide your location and describe your emergency.

“What they may notice is faster routing and fewer transfers, better location accuracy, better call stability as NG911 networks are more resilient.”

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has mandated that all service providers and primary public safety answering points must transition to the new NG911 network by March 2027.

“I’d like to recognize the outstanding work of our dedicated team in this monumental step forward for the Owen Sound emergency communications centre,” said Owen Sound police Chief Craig Ambrose in the press release. “This transition to NG911 allows us to continue evolving and improving services for our communicators, police officers and other emergency responders, and most importantly, to the people we serve in Owen Sound and in communities all across Ontario.”

Future capabilities – such as the ability to provide photo and video data to 911 call centres and first responders – are on the horizon. Several factors remain in development, including how the data will be delivered and policies around data ownership and access.

When to call 911

Calling 911 is for police, fire or medical emergencies requiring immediate action – when someone’s health, safety or property is in jeopardy, or when a crime is in progress. Use 911 responsibly; it is not an information line. Call-takers cannot provide information on weather, power outages or phone numbers for other municipal services.