Peterborough County Next Generation 9-1-1

What is Next Generation 9-1-1?

Next Generation 9-1-1, Next Gen 9-1-1 or NG9-1-1 is regulated by the Canadian Radio-Television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), with guidance provided by Emergency Services Working Group (ESWG). ESWG is working with the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) to update GIS standards for NG9-1-1 with consideration for Canadian requirements, subject to approval by CRTC. 

Canada first adopted 9-1-1 as a common emergency call number in 1972, with Peterborough County adopting 9-1-1 in 1999.  The 9-1-1 system was originally built around landlines with each phone number tied to a fixed address, which fewer and fewer people have or use today. Currently, close to 90% of 9-1-1 calls are made with cellular or VOIP (Voice over IP) technology, which can occur anywhere, creating challenges in locating callers.