Kelowna Fire Dispatch will be making the transition to Next Generation 911 (NG 911) over the next three years.
The federal government directed all telecommunications providers to update their networks for NG 911 voice services as of Mar. 1, 2022.
NG 911 will allow callers to use different communication methods, such as voice, text, and video, and provide more accurate location information for emergency services.
The Union of BC Municipalities is providing $3 million to support all costs related to the transition
Funds will be used over the next three years for implementation of hardware and software including an upgraded backup location, staff training, consultant fees, and internal support costs such as information services.
The city has received $1.5 million of the funding to date.
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