(Image Credit: CFJC Today File)

By Victor Kaisar

EComm 911

TNRD extends 911 dispatch contract with RDCO while awaiting details, costs on NextGen service

Feb 15, 2026 | 4:41 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) has extended its contract for 911 services with the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) by another one year.

It’s the latest in a series of one-year extensions and TNRD General Manager of Operations Jamie Vieira says it is because the RDCO isn’t able to commit to a longer contract at this time.

“Because the unknown costs related to the Next Generation 911, so unfortunately we keep kicking this can down the road,” Vieira said. “This is the third year in a row that they haven’t been able to commit beyond a one year pricing but the good news is we’ve only seen modest inflationary increases.

“They have yet to be able to commit to what their full cost will be under a full Next Gen 911 model.”

In a report to the TNRD board, Vieira noted that Next Generation 911 will be introduced “over the next few years.” It will allow people to share information with first responders via text messages, photos, videos, and cell phone locations instead of just by phone.

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Vieira added he anticipates that TNRD staff will recommend a five-year agreement for primary 911 answering services when further details, costs and timelines regarding Next Generation 911 have been confirmed.

“Until that time, we anticipate continuing with the annual agreement,” Vieira added.

This latest extension will cost the TNRD $382,489, an increase from the $357,000 paid as part of the previous contract – which expired on Dec. 31, 2025. In 2024, the TNRD paid $325,702, while in 2023 it paid $288,890.

The RDCO holds a contract with E-Comm 911 to provide answering services to seven regional districts, including the TNRD. E-Comm is the primary 911 answering service for over 90 per cent of B.C., and each regional district signs agreements with RDCO to cover their portion of the costs.

All TNRD Electoral Areas and member municipalities, except Kamloops, pay into this service through their annual tax bill. Kamloops contributes its share of the costs through a separate agreement between the TNRD and the City. First Nations contribute through existing Municipal Type Service Agreements (MTSA) between the TNRD and each participating First Nation.

Last March, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) moved the deadline to transition to NextGen 911 to March 2027.

The TNRD is also in the process of offering free emergency-grade address signs to residents to help ensure that the 911 system can operate successfully.