A modernized 911 system with better incident location and response capabilities is expected to help enhance Peel Region fire departments’ emergency services.
The Next Generation 911 (NG-911) system — launched at the Joint Fire Communications Centre, serving Caledon, Brampton and Mississauga — should allow for improved communications between callers and 911 operators, facilitating a faster response.
While dialing 911 remains the same, the technology driving the system offers several improvements, Caledon officials stated in a news release announcing the upgrade.
NG-911, according to the release, has many benefits:
- More accurate data to help 911 operators determine caller’s location and phone number
- Reduced wait times for callers
- Easier and more efficient response to calls
- Increased reliability and cybersecurity
- More backup capabilities if a failure occurs within the system
- In the future, photos, real-time texts and live emergency videos calls from the public will be shared with the 911 communication centre
As mandated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, all provinces, municipalities and their public safety answering points must implement NG-911 by March 31, 2027.
Peel Region fire departments — Caledon, Brampton and Mississauga — all announced the new system’s launch this week.
Peel Regional Police implemented the next generation system in February 2024, which it said has resulted in a drastic decline in 911 wait times.
Police said the new system helps process accidental 911 calls and misdials, allowing call takers to focus on real emergencies.
According to Peel police, the average 911 wait time in March 2024 was just 11 seconds compared to 85 seconds in March 2023.
“This is a very substantial decrease in wait times for 911. It’s a huge win for our organization and the way we’re able to deliver emergency services,” Const. Tyler Bell-Morena told the Mississauga News.
Caledon fire Chief Dave Pelayo said the town is growing and so is the need for the its emergency services.
“With our population projected to reach 300,000 by 2051, we are investing in the resources and cutting-edge technology to ensure our residents remain safe and have easy access to emergency services, should they need it,” Pelayo stated in the town’s news release.
Caledon residents also have access to a dedicated non-emergency number for the Joint Fire Communications Centre: 905-456-5724. Examples of non-emergency inquiries include complaints (burning, fireworks or fire code violations) and general questions.