Coquitlam looks for cash to help pay for new 911 system that would incorporate video streaming

The scenario: It’s an emergency beyond description so, instead of talking to a 911 dispatcher, you stream a video of the emergency in real time.

That’s one of the ideas behind Next Generation 911, an emergency response system slated to be in place by the spring of 2027, according to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission.

It’s critical the project moves forward, Coun. Craig Hodge said Monday.

“Next Generation is going to replace the current analog system of house phones,” he said.

Besides providing precise location data, Next Generation 911 is meant to allow for text messaging as well as audio and video streaming designed to: “reduce communication barriers for callers and give emergency responders crucial information before they arrive on the scene.”

For instance, providing medical information to first responders could lead to: “faster and more informed emergency responses,” CRTC stated in a release.

While the system would give emergency first responders a better idea of what they’re responding to, callers could also use the system to reach more specialized services such as mental health support, according to the city staff report.

Hodge emphasized the importance of an extra 911 option during Monday’s council meeting.

“One of the things we also want to see is a fourth call option,” he said. “That would allow people calling to not only request police/fire/ambulance but to have direct access to mental health support.”

The upgrade is: “crucial to meeting evolving public safety needs,” according to a city staff report. However, bringing the new tech to the city is costly and slightly complicated by the fact that Coquitlam’s call centre is a municipal operation, while “nearly all the other” RCMP communications centres are provincial, noted Coquitlam’s deputy chief administrative officer Michelle Hunt

To facilitate that transition and offset its costs, Coquitlam is set to apply for $2.1 million in funding, an idea unanimously supported by council.

Moving to the new 911 system would leave the city with substantial costs including training expenses and outfitting back-up sites.

However, the $2.1 million: “represents a critical step in relieving the fiscal pressures on local taxpayers,” as the grant would likely cover the majority of expenses, according to city staff.

The application deadline for the grant is April 11.

The funding is administered by UBCM on behalf of the Ministry of Citizens’ Services.

All telecommunications providers have been directed by the CRTC to update their networks for Next Generation 911 by March 31, 2027.