City of Peterborough Transitions to Next Generation 9-1-1

Peterborough, ON – With support from the Government of Ontario, the City of Peterborough has transitioned to the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) network, providing emergency dispatchers, Peterborough Fire Services and Peterborough Police with better and faster access to information during an emergency.

The Ontario government has provided over $5 million since 2022 to support the City’s transition to NG9-1-1.
NG9-1-1 is a multi-stage upgrade to the traditional 9-1-1 network, replacing older infrastructure with a digital, internet protocol-based network. The technology is similar to what is available on most smart phones.

The upgrade gives dispatchers faster and more accurate information about a 9-1-1 caller’s location and phone number.

The upgrade's enhanced features also include:

• Stronger security, with enhanced cybersecurity measures to reduce the risk of downtime.
• Greater network reliability, with added backup capabilities for seamless recovery.
• Future-ready multimedia features enabling real-time text and live emergency video calls.

The City of Peterborough is among the first in Ontario to upgrade to the NG9-1-1 network.

The process for calling 9-1-1 remains the same. Residents calling 9-1-1 in an emergency will be directed to the appropriate emergency service, police, fire or ambulance.

Quotes

"Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we are upgrading Ontario’s public safety communications to NG9-1-1 which will empower first responders and provide them with critical, life-saving information meaning a faster, more effective emergency response. We will always have the backs of those who protect Ontario. That’s why we are proud to provide funding to Peterborough for this new technology which will mean more calls will be answered, more lives will be saved, and people across the city can count on emergency services when it matters most."– Hon. Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario

“The transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 is a monumental step forward, ensuring that our first responders have the most accurate and immediate information possible. This significant investment from the Ontario government means more efficient response times, enhanced safety for our residents, and ultimately, more lives saved. This is about equipping our heroic police, fire, and ambulance services with the technology they need and deserve to keep Peterborough—Kawartha a safe and thriving place to live." – Dave Smith, MPP Peterborough—Kawartha

“This support ensures our emergency responders have access to the advanced tools and technology they need to act quickly and effectively in an emergency. I would like to thank the Province of Ontario for this critical investment in public safety. Investments like this help protect lives, strengthen our emergency response capabilities, and build safer communities for everyone.” - Mayor Jeff Leal, City of Peterborough

“Having reliable access to critical information, like the exact location of a caller and a verified callback number, can make all the difference when seconds count. These enhanced capabilities help our first responders arrive faster, communicate more effectively and ultimately save lives.” - Chief Chris Snetsinger, with Peterborough Fire Services  

“Ensuring safety for everyone in our community is our main goal as a police service. Being able to deploy first responders at the right time, with the right information to do the right thing, is what we strive for every shift. NG9-1-1 will help us accomplish this goal with even more accuracy. Having more data available to first responders in an emergency only makes for a safer community for all who live, work and visit our area.”- Chief Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service.

For media enquiries please contact:

Sandra Dueck
Manager, Strategic Communication Services
Peterborough Police Service
705-876-1122 ext. 217
sdueck@peterborough.ca

Amanda Dears
Public Education Officer
Peterborough Fire Services
705-745-3284 ext. 6312
ALNichols@peterborough.ca