The City of Hamilton, in collaboration with the Hamilton Fire Department and the Hamilton Police Service, have officially transitioned to the new Next Generation 9-1-1 network.
The city says that the transition “represents a multi-stage transformative upgrade to the traditional 9-1-1 network.”
Through the update, emergency operators will have faster access to reliable data such as a caller’s location and phone number.
The system also has stronger security, with enhanced cybersecurity measures which reduce the risk of any 9-1-1 downtime.
There will also be a greater system reliability with new backup capabilities and the eventual introduction of multimedia features such as real-time texting and live emergency video calls.
Future introductions also include the ability for the public to send emergency operators videos and images via text.
The introduction of text messaging capabilities would significantly increase options for those in need of assistance, particularly during situations when speaking is unsafe.
Next Generation 9-1-1 technology is also expected to eventually improve the sharing of medical information between first responders and those calling for help.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has directed all Canadian municipalities to modernize their 9-1-1 emergency services by March 31, 2027.
The City of Hamilton is among the first 10 municipalities in Ontario to transition to the new network.
The Ontario government has provided over $10.5 million since 2022 to support the Hamilton Police Service and Hamilton Fire Department in their transition to Next Generation 9-1-1.
The province has also invested $208 million over three years to support the transition Ontario-wide.
Ontario’s Solicitor General, Michael Kerzner, previously commented, “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we are upgrading Ontario’s public safety communications to NG9-1-1, which will empower first responders and provide them with critical, life-saving information, meaning a faster, more effective emergency response.”
“We will always have the backs of those who protect Ontario. That’s why we are proud to provide funding to Hamilton for this new technology, which will mean more calls will be answered, more lives will be saved, and people across the city can count on emergency services when it matters most.”
Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen calls the implementation of the new technology a “transformative step forward.”
“This upgrade empowers Hamilton Police Service with real-time data, improves location accuracy, and opens new channels for those in crisis to reach help when they need it most. NG9-1-1 is not just an improvement – it’s a commitment to a safer community for all.”
The City of Hamilton procured a Call Handling System in May 2023 and has been working with Bell Canada and call handling system vendor Solacom to implement the Next Generation 9-1-1 network.
Based in Hamilton, he reaches hundreds of thousands of people monthly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. He has been published in The Hamilton Spectator, Stoney Creek News, and Bay Observer. He has also been a segment host with Cable 14 Hamilton. In 2017, he received the Chancellor Full Tuition Scholarship from the University of Ottawa (BA, 2022). He has also received the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He formerly worked in a non-partisan role on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
