TNRD residents can apply for these free emergency-grade address signs until April 11, 2027. (Image Credit: TNRD)

By Victor Kaisar

Emergency Response

Over a thousand requests made for free emergency-grade address signs, TNRD says

Feb 1, 2026 | 2:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) says there have been a lot of requests for new emergency-grade address signs over the past few months, though it notes it is still able to accommodate new requests that come in.

The sign program was launched in September, and TNRD communications manager Colton Davies says over a thousand requests were made by Electoral Area property owners as of the end of last year.

“That doesn’t include ones who inquired where they’re in a municipality or another regional district where it didn’t apply,” Davies said. “We had many many more inquires than that and we’ve got 1,083 addresses with signs on order in the first few months there.”

The address signs are free as the program is fully grant funded via a $100,000 grant the TNRD got from the Union of BC Municipalities.

“The purpose of the program is to ensure that properties have proper emergency-grade signs so its easier for emergency services people to find you in an emergency like a medical event, an evacuation situation that kind of thing,” Davies added, noting there is a limit of one sign per property.

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“We have this available really until the grant money runs out and so far it only made a dent in [the grant funding] with all the requests we had.”

According to the TNRD, the new address signs will help ensure that the new Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) system can operate successfully. NG9-1-1 will use internet-based technology allowing people to share information digitally with instead of just by phone.

“It will be faster, more reliable, and able to handle digital communication like voice, real-time text, and, eventually, video calls – making it easier for people to get emergency help when needed,” the TNRD said of NG9-1-1.

“Geographic Information Systems (GIS) addressing data takes a central role in the new NG9-1-1 system. High quality GIS data will allow the caller and the call-taker to better communicate and quickly identify the location of a 9‑1‑1 incident.”

Existing, registered addresses will appear in the TNRD’s online database. The TNRD cautions that first responders may have trouble finding places with incorrect or unregistered addresses.

Davies said some signs have already been delivered to TNRD residents, though he notes there are still hundreds of signs waiting to be pickup at the TNRD office in downtown Kamloops.

Information on TNRD address signs and addressing requirements can be found online here.