Fraser-Fort George Call Answer Service
When a 9-1-1 call is answered, the first voice the caller hears determines the nature of the emergency and transfers the call to police, fire, or ambulance dispatch centres as required.
In January 2025, it was announced that Fraser-Fort George 9-1-1, a service provided by the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, will open a new 9-1-1 call answer service, also known as a primary public safety answer point. The service is in planning and development, and is anticipated to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2026. It will assume call answer responsibilities from E-Comm for the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, the Cariboo Regional District, the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako, and a large portion of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine.
CAD replacement
Fraser-Fort George 9-1-1 has embarked on an exciting, large-scale project to introduce a new computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software. Over the next 12 to 18 months, Fraser-Fort George 9-1-1 will work closely with Hexagon to implement its OnCall Dispatch system that will contribute to modernizing fire dispatch operations. This new state-of-the-art CAD system will feature a mobile component that fire departments may deploy in their responding units. Further details and rollout information for the mobile component will be shared as details are finalized.
RMS replacement
Once the CAD project is complete, Fraser Fort George 9-1-1 will begin replacing the current FDM records management system. More information will be shared when this project advances.
Getting ready for Next Generation 9-1-1
Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) is the new and improved 9-1-1 platform being implemented across Canada. NG9-1-1 replaces the current, dated, analog systems with IP-based technologies that provide enhanced caller location accuracy and improved inter-agency communications. Fraser-Fort George 9-1-1 is working tirelessly with Solacom, the call handling system provider, and TELUS to transition to the NG9-1-1 network. Fraser-Fort George 9-1-1 plans to transition to the new network in the first quarter of 2026, well ahead of the CRTC’s March 2027 deadline. It is important to note that end-users, including fire/rescue agencies, do not require new equipment or technologies for NG9-1-1.
The shift from the legacy E9-1-1 system to NG9-1-1 is more than just an upgrade, it is completely transforming the way emergency 9-1-1 calls are handled. Some of the features NG9-1-1 may provide over the next several years, and the work involved to launch and support the system include:
- new national NG9-1-1 standards to ensure all calls across Canada are routed, logged and managed consistently
- moving calls from traditional phone lines to modern, secure, internet-based networks means using new technology but also creating gateways so existing systems work during the transition
- ESInet is a new dedicated, secure, 9-1-1 network designed for reliability, redundancy and faster call delivery
- enhanced caller location accuracy with high-quality mapping data may help route calls to the right place, including more precise locations like multi-story buildings
- Next Generation call taker tools have the capability to handle more than voice and some systems may also include text, video, photos and other critical data
- built-In backup and resiliency provides added assurances that if one path fails, the system automatically reroutes to keep calls connected
- strong cybersecurity and encryption are built into every step to protect the system as it connects to more networks and devices
- ongoing testing is scheduled in 90 minutes sessions to check everything from error codes to call routing in a detailed process to help ensure seamless onboarding and resilient systems
