TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: January 13, 2025 Report No. FIRE-25-001
TO: Council
FROM: Matt Furlot, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Next Generation 9-1-1
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council authorize the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute the Local Government NG9-1-1 Agreement on behalf of the Township of Esquimalt as attached to Staff Report No. FIRE-25-001.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Government of Canada has required the transition from analog to the digital Next Generation 9-1-1 system nationwide by March 2025. To meet this deadline, the Capital Regional District (CRD) must establish bilateral agreements with regional municipalities by January 31, 2025, enabling the Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) centres to finalize the necessary technical and operational preparations for compliance ahead of the transition.
BACKGROUND:
In 2017, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) introduced the transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) networks to modernize emergency communications and improve public safety services for Canadians. NG9-1-1 will replace existing analog systems with advanced digital, internet protocol-based networks that enable enhanced capabilities, such as sharing videos, photos, and personal medical information with first responders. These innovations are designed to provide safer, faster, and more informed emergency responses, improving call processing times, situational awareness, and overall responder safety. The CRTC has set a March 2025 deadline for this transition.
In British Columbia, TELUS, the Emergency Services IP Network (ESInet) provider, is responsible for building and managing the NG9-1-1 network. To comply with CRTC requirements, TELUS requires all municipalities, including the Township of Esquimalt, to sign updated Local Governing Authority (LGA) Agreements. Esquimalt currently meets these requirements by using Surrey Dispatch services, which is an approved Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). The Capital Regional District (CRD), which contracted with E-Comm to deliver Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) services, must finalize agreements with TELUS and ensure that all participating PSAPs, including those managed by E-Comm, are prepared for the NG9-1-1 transition.
It is essential that the Township of Esquimalt signs the updated agreement to enable the CRD to fulfill its obligations and ensure regional compliance with CRTC mandates. The deadline to finalize agreements is January 31, 2025, allowing sufficient time for PSAPs to make the necessary preparations for the March 2025 transition. Without these agreements, PSAPs, including E-Comm, will not be able to meet the CRTC’s technical requirements, potentially delaying the implementation of NG9-1-1 services. Importantly, the transition process will not affect current 9-1-1 access, but signing the agreements ensures the Township benefits from the improved emergency services NG9-1-1 offers.
ANALYSIS:
The Township of Esquimalt must sign the Local Governing Authority (LGA) Agreement by January 31, 2025, to ensure the successful implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) services. Failure to do so would prevent the Capital Regional District (CRD) and Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), including E-Comm and Surrey Dispatch, from meeting the CRTC’s March 2025 compliance deadline. Such delays could disrupt emergency communication services, posing risks to public safety by affecting response times and situational awareness for first responders. Additionally, failing to meet this federally mandated deadline may harm public confidence in the Township’s ability to manage its emergency services, as residents expect these systems to remain modern, reliable, and responsive.
From a financial standpoint, the CRD has established contingency funds to mitigate unforeseen expenses, ensuring a smooth transition to NG9-1-1. As a result, the Township is not expected to incur significant financial burdens by signing the agreement. Moving forward supports compliance with federal regulations and demonstrates the Township’s commitment to modernizing emergency services, improving public safety, and maintaining its role as a trusted leader in the community. NG9-1-1’s enhanced capabilities, such as sharing videos, photos, and medical information, will further strengthen emergency response efforts and situational awareness across the region.
OPTIONS:
Option 1
That Council authorizes the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute the Local Government NG9-1-1 Agreement on behalf of the Township of Esquimalt as attached to Staff Report No. FIRE-25-001.
Option 2
That Council request additional information from staff.
Option 3
That Council provide alternate direction.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Good Governance and Organizational Excellence
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
While the final additional costs associated with the mandatory transition of local PSAPs to NG9-1-1 have yet to be clearly defined, all PSAPs have been aware of and preparing for the transition for several years. The Fire Department is currently in the second year of a five-year contract with Surrey Dispatch services, which includes a defined rate schedule.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
N/A
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
• January 13, 2025, Council authorizes signing of NextGen9-1-1 Agreement.
• January 31, 2025 deadline to submit NextGEN9-1-1 Agreement.
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Ian Irvine, Director of Finance, Reviewed
2. Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services, Reviewed
3. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer, Concurrence
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
1. NextGen9-1-1 Agreement