Kamloops Fire Rescue Dispatch (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

NEXTGEN 911

Kamloops on leading edge of switch to NextGen 911

Apr 10, 2025 | 4:42 PM

KAMLOOPS — The city of Kamloops is set to apply for more than $2-million in grant funding from the Union of BC Municipalities for the Next Generation 911 program.

Next Generation 911 refers to the modernization of 911 networks and infrastructure across Canada. It’s a federally mandated transition of the emergency communications network from the current network to an internet protocol-based technology.

Bringing 911 into the 21st Century is the plan for Kamloops Fire Rescue (KFR) after securing approval to apply for grant funding on Tuesday (April 8).

“The full implementation will allow for text-to-911, for you to snap a picture from your phone with GIS data and send that to 911 which will also allow the dispatch centres to use more of that digital information, sending to the crews that are responding. It’s more of a modern upgrade for where technology is these days,” said KFR Chief Ken Uzeloc.

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KFR is currently responsible for dispatching fire services throughout the TNRD and Castlegar, and Next Gen 911 will improve response times for everybody.

“Every second counts when someone is calling 911. This is going to make it far better. That internet protocol is just a lot more reliable and it will allow for different backups to use cellular phone backups and systems, as well. It’s a definite improvement in the network,” added Uzeloc.

The vote at council on Tuesday was unanimous, with KFR now able to improve a service it charges other communities for use of.

“I’m just wondering how the cost is being spread out between what we do and the service that we provided to those 29 other departments and to Castlegar,” said Councillor Nancy Bepple during Tuesday’s meeting.

Kamloops has already received funding in the past for Next Gen, making the latest application more likely to be successful.

“We are continuing on our track. We are looking to tentatively do testing with Telus, which is the telecom out in this area for [Next Gen] 911 in August, with implementation in September,” said Uzeloc.

KFR will provide some information training on Next Gen prior to implementation, however nothing changes with the act of simply dialing 911 to receive an emergency response.

“At the bare essence, you just call 911 and you will get the help you need,” said Uzeloc.