The Owen Sound Emergency Communications Centre Launches Next Generation 9-1-1

The Municipality of Huron East Fire Department, in partnership with the Owen Sound Police Service (OSPS), is pleased to announce the launch of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) at the Owen Sound Emergency Communications Centre (OSECC), marking a significant milestone in Huron East Fire Department commitment to strengthening public safety and emergency response. 

Today’s transition from the legacy 9-1-1 emergency phone network now provides a digital infrastructure for modern emergency telecommunications. While dialing 9-1-1 remains unchanged for callers, the underlying transformative technology provides faster, more reliable help when people need it most. The upgrade’s enhanced features include:

• More accurate caller location and phone number information
• Enhanced cybersecurity, with added backup capabilities to ensure system reliability
• Future ability to support real-time text messaging and other digital technologies

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has mandated that all service providers and Primary Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) must transition to the new NG9-1-1 network by March 2027. 

Over the last five years, the OSPS has invested significant time and resources into the NG9-1-1 program, such as purchasing, installing, and updating technology at both the PSAP’s primary and back-up sites, participating in voice trials, identifying potential engineering issue with networks, and developing a host solution for other agencies across Ontario.

“I’d like to recognize the outstanding work of our dedicated team in this monumental step forward for the Owen Sound Emergency Communications Centre,” said Chief Craig Ambrose. “This transition to NG9-1-1 allows us to continue evolving and improving services for our Communicators, Police Officers and other Emergency Responders, and most importantly, to the people we serve in Owen Sound, and in communities all across Ontario.”

The Ontario government has provided more than $3.1M since 2022 to support the Owen Sound Emergency Communications Centre’s transition to NG9-1-1.

"Upgrading Ontario’s public safety communications will be a game changer,” said Hon. Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario. “Next Generation 9-1-1 gives first responders real-time, life-saving information which means a faster, more effective emergency response. Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government will always have the backs of those who protect our province. That’s why we are proud to provide funding to Owen Sound for this new technology which will mean more calls will be answered, more lives will be saved and people across the city can count on emergency services when it matters most." 

When to Call 9-1-1:

911 is for police, fire, or medical emergencies when immediate action is required: someone’s health safety or property is in jeopardy or a crime is in progress. 

Please use 9-1-1 responsibly – it is not an information line. 9-1-1 call-takers cannot provide information on the weather, power outages or phone numbers for other municipal services.

Read the Owen Sound Police Services media release for details.