As mandated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) new technology known as Next Generation 911 (NG-911) is being implemented nationally. All provinces, municipalities and their Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) are required to meet the NG-911 standards by March 31, 2025, at which time the existing 911 systems will be disconnected. There are interim deadlines that also must be met.
Members of St. Catharines Fire Services (SCFS) have been working in cooperation with members of Niagara Regional Police Services and Niagara Emergency Medical Services to ensure successful coordination between agencies resulting in the most effective and efficient implementation of NG-911 for Niagara.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Q: What is Next Generation 911 (NG-911)? |
| A: NG-911 is a new technology mandated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) that requires the implementation of a new call-handling solution capable of receiving and responding to text emergencies, photos, and videos from callers. |
| Q: When is the deadline for implementing NG-911 in Niagara? |
| A: The deadline for implementing NG-911 in Niagara is March 31, 2025, as mandated by the CRTC. There are also interim deadlines that must be met. |
| Q: How many emergency service dispatch centers currently exist in Niagara? |
| A: In Niagara, there are currently five separate emergency service dispatch centers. These include the Niagara Regional Police Services, St. Catharines Fire Services, Tillsonburg Fire Service, Niagara Falls Fire Service, and Niagara Emergency Medical Services. |
| Q: What are the responsibilities of each emergency service dispatch center? |
| A: The Niagara Regional Police Services (NRPS) is responsible for police-related matters and dispatches 911 responses to all of Niagara, including notifications to Niagara Parks Police and Ontario Provincial Police. St. Catharines Fire Services (SCFS) dispatches 911 responses to fire-related matters for the City of St. Catharines and twenty six other municipalities. Tillsonburg Fire Services dispatches 911 responses for fire-related matters solely for the City of Welland and Town of Fort Erie. Niagara Falls Fire Service dispatches 911 responses for fire matters solely for the City of Niagara Falls. Niagara Emergency Medical Services (NEMS) dispatches 911 responses to EMS matters for all of Niagara. |
| Q: How is NG-911 being funded? |
| A: The upgrades to NG-911 are primarily funded by the Provincial government over a three-year period. |
| Q: Is the cost of NG-911 and CAD being transferred to dispatch partners? |
| A: No, SCFS is not transferring the costs of NG-911 and CAD onto their dispatch partners. The upgrades are being funded independently to ensure the best possible service for the residents of St. Catharines and the dispatch partners. |
| Q: What is Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)? |
| A: CAD is a system that facilitates the transfer of call information between emergency service providers. SCFS has transitioned to the same CAD system used by NRPS to increase interoperability and enhance emergency response capabilities. |
| Q: Why is the implementation of NG-911 necessary? |
| A: NG-911 is being implemented to enhance emergency response capabilities by enabling the receipt and handling of text emergencies, photos, and videos from callers. It improves communication and information exchange during emergency situations. |
| Q: How is the implementation of NG-911 being coordinated in Niagara? |
| A: Members of St. Catharines Fire Services (SCFS) have been working in cooperation with Niagara Regional Police Services and Niagara Emergency Medical Services to ensure effective coordination between agencies for the successful implementation of NG-911 in Niagara. |
| Q: Will the existing 911 systems be disconnected after the NG-911 implementation? |
| A: Yes, the existing 911 systems will be disconnected once the NG-911 standards are met by March 31, 2025. NG-911 will replace the current systems for improved emergency response. |
| Q: Will NG-911 support other types of media besides text emergencies? |
| A: Yes, NG-911 is being implemented in phases. In phase 1, it will support text emergencies, while phase 2 will enable the handling of photos and videos from callers. |
| Q: How is the NG-911 call handling solution being acquired? |
| A: St. Catharines Fire Services (SCFS) is partnering with Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) and Niagara Parks Police to purchase the NG-911 call handling solution. This collaborative approach offers cost savings and long-term benefits. |
| Q: What is the significance of the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system in NG-911 implementation? |
| A: The adoption of the CAD system by St. Catharines Fire Services (SCFS) aligns them with the same system used by Niagara Regional Police Services (NRPS). This ensures interoperability and efficient call information transfers for emergency response, while also preparing for future technologies like the Public Safety Broadband Network (PSBN). |
| Q: Will the implementation of NG-911 affect the response time for emergency services? |
| A: The implementation of NG-911 aims to improve emergency response capabilities. While response times may vary depending on the nature of the emergency and other factors, NG-911 is designed to enhance communication and coordination, potentially leading to more efficient response times. |
| Q: How will NG-911 benefit the residents of Niagara? |
| A: NG-911 brings several benefits to residents, including the ability to send text messages, photos, and videos during emergencies. This can provide vital information to emergency services, enabling them to better understand the situation and respond accordingly. |
| Q: What should residents do differently when using NG-911 compared to the traditional 911 system? |
| A: Residents should be aware that with NG-911, they can send text messages, photos, or videos in addition to making voice calls. When reporting an emergency, they have the option to provide more detailed information through these additional media formats. |
| Q: Will NG-911 be available throughout all of Niagara, including rural areas? |
| A: The implementation of NG-911 aims to cover all of Niagara, including both urban and rural areas. Efforts are being made to ensure that the NG-911 system is accessible to residents across the entire region. |
| Q: How can residents stay updated on the progress of NG-911 implementation in St. Catharines? |
| A: Residents can stay informed about the NG-911 implementation in St. Catharines by following official City social media accounts or watching for updates on stcatharines.ca. |