Ontario Investing in New Emergency 9-1-1 Communications System

LASALLE – Ontario is investing $78 million in telecommunications infrastructure to help municipalities and emergency response centres transition to a new emergency communications system known as Next Generation 9-1-1. The funding is part of the government’s $208 million investment to help emergency operators and dispatchers save more lives by transitioning to the enhanced Next Generation 9-1-1.

The Town of LaSalle and LaSalle Police Department has been earmarked to receive $529,504 in funding.

To successfully transition to the Next Generation 9-1-1 system, significant technology and infrastructure upgrades are required. These upgrades include new telephony systems, call handling systems, internal network infrastructure and cyber security infrastructure.

Once implemented, Next Generation 9-1-1 will enable voice, text messages and data to flow seamlessly from the public to 9-1-1 communications centres when emergency assistance is required. 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.

“This funding is critical to ensuring that our dispatchers, who work in tandem with our frontline officers, are able to serve our community in the most effective way possible,” said MPP Anthony Leardi. “I am very happy that our government recognizes this significance of this program, and I am sure that it will be an incredible asset to residents of LaSalle and officers alike.”

Emergency communications centres across the province have until March 4, 2025, to transition their networks from analog to digital as mandated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

“We are very grateful to our provincial partners for delivering on their commitment to funding the implementation of Next Generation 911,” said Chief Duncan Davies. “This initiative will integrate new enhancements and advancements in technology to improve communication with first responders when our community needs us most.”

Ontario is taking a leadership role in the transition, and will work hand in hand with municipalities, First Nations, and the emergency communications sector. The province’s new funding will support these partners to purchase required equipment, modernize infrastructure and technology and enhance training at call centres.