Next Generation 9-1-1 Now Live for St. Marys Through Owen Sound Emergency Communications Centre

The St. Marys 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 the St. Marys Fire Departments commitment to strengthening public safety and emergency response.

The recent 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.

“The transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 represents a major advancement in how emergency services are delivered to our community,” said Phil West, Fire Chief for the Town of St. Marys. “This modernized system strengthens reliability, improves the quality of information available to first responders, and helps ensure faster, more effective responses when residents need help most. We appreciate the collaborative efforts and investments that have made this milestone possible and look forward to the enhanced level of service it brings to St. Marys and communities across Ontario.”

The Ontario government has provided more than $3.1M since 2022 to support the transition to NG9-1-1.

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.

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For media inquiries:
Phil West, Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief
519-284-2340, ext. 201 | pwest@town.stmarys.on.ca