February 21, 2024 – The Peel Regional Police (PRP) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first major 9-1-1 Communications Centre in Canada to launch Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) services. This move comes after a mandate by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) in 2017, requiring all Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) to upgrade their networks and technology to be NG9-1-1 ready by March 4th, 2025.
To meet this directive, PRP embarked on a journey to modernize their services and improve emergency response. In 2020, they acquired Motorola’s Vesta NG9-1-1 solution, a crucial step in this large-scale transformation. The PRP 9-1-1 Communications Centre handles over 1 million calls annually, emphasizing the need for efficient and reliable systems.
The new NG9-1-1 platform promises faster connection times between callers and first responders. It supports PRP’s commitment to reducing emergency wait times and lays the groundwork for future service enhancements aligned with the Region of Peel’s Community Safety and Well-Being Framework and Priorities.
PRP reassures the public that no changes are required when dialing 9-1-1 for help. However, they urge against “test” calls to prevent delays and ensure public safety. The Bramptonist covered the unfortunate and dangerous amount of misuse for 9-1-1 earlier this year.
On February 21, 2024, PRP, in collaboration with Motorola and Bell Canada, with funding from the Government of Ontario, successfully launched NG9-1-1 services, marking a historic moment in Canadian public safety.
Deputy Chief Anthony Odoardi, overseeing PSAP operations in Peel Region, expressed pride in the collaborative efforts, stating, “The transition to NG9-1-1 services is a Haley’s Comet-like moment for modernizing our response to emergencies.”
Nando Iannicca, Chair of Peel Police Services Board (PSB) and Peel Region, underscored the board’s commitment to safety, emphasizing, “By embracing cutting-edge technology and fostering collaborative partnerships, we remain steadfast in our mission to uphold the highest standards of public safety.”
Wes Verma, Vice President of Bell, applauded PRP’s pioneering role in modernizing Canada’s 9-1-1 system, highlighting the significance of this transition: “This is a significant step forward for the Peel community and for Canadian public safety.”