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Regional Districts in the northern interior are now providing people who are Deaf/Deaf-Blind, Hard-of-Hearing or Speech Impaired (DHHSI) with the ability to contact 9-1-1 through a new specialized text service, called Text with 9-1-1 (T9-1-1). The service is available to residents living within the regional districts of Fraser-Fort George (RDFFG), Cariboo, Kitimat-Stikine and Bulkley-Nechako who pre-register with their wireless providers. The service is provided by E-Comm— the emergency communications centre responsible for answering 9-1-1 calls in the northern interior.

“Text With 911 brings our children and families the ability to communicate in the same way that anyone else can in emergency situations. It must be noted, that this service is also a game changer for first responders to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people – now our children and families can communicate the enhanced information that can save lives in emergencies. This service will make a real and significant difference in the lives of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and families – it will save lives,” says Andrea Palmer, Vice President of the Northern BC Family Hearing Society.

T9-1-1 allows any DHHSI person who has pre-registered their cellphone with their wireless carrier to communicate with police, fire and ambulance call-takers via text during an emergency. Callers must first place a voice call to 9-1-1 in order to establish a voice network connection and initiate the special messaging technology.

“We are pleased our DHHSI communities now have an improved way of communicating with local police, fire and ambulance services,” says Art Kaehn, RDFFG Board Chair. “I encourage people not to delay in registering for this service and to learn how to use it.”

“We are very proud to be able to offer Text with 9-1-1 services to our Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Speech Impaired residents. We appreciate all of the efforts that have made this service possible,” says Bill Miller, Chair of the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako.

“Bringing the Text with 9-1-1 service to the Northern Interior is a positive asset to our region. For DHHSI members to be able to reach this lifeline through a cellphone is a major improvement over outdated TTY (telephone typewriter) technology which is limited to landlines,” says Al Richmond, Chair of the Cariboo Regional District.

“We are excited to have this service available for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Speech Impaired residents in our region and their families. We hope those who are eligible register their phones with their mobile service provider so they can access the service if they need it,” says Stacey Tyers, Chair of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine.

When E-Comm receives a 9-1-1 call from a DHHSI person who has pre-registered for the service, an alert will trigger at the 9-1-1 centre to indicate there is a DHHSI caller on the line. The 9-1-1 call-taker will then launch the special messaging system, allowing them to communicate with the caller through a special text session. This will ensure they get the emergency service they need.

The specialized technology was developed by Canada’s telecommunications services providers and is available in select parts of the country.

“E-Comm was pleased to be the first 9-1-1 centre in Canada to launch T9-1-1 and we are ready to provide this important service to DHHSI residents in the northern interior regional districts,” adds David Guscott, E-Comm President and CEO. “We are proud to have played a part in the development of this service which is a significant improvement over outdated TTY technology.”

It is important to emphasize that this service is only available to the DHHSI community. Voice calling remains the only way to communicate with 9-1-1 services for a person who is not Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hardof- Hearing or Speech Impaired. Text messages sent directly to the digits “9-1-1” do not reach emergency services anywhere in Canada. Text with 9-1-1 for the public-at-large is anticipated in the future as the nationwide 9-1-1 infrastructure evolves.

Members of the DHHSI community should visit www.TextWith911.ca to register their cellphones with their wireless service provider and to learn more about how the system works.

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E-Comm would like to encourage DHHSI persons to register for T9-1-1 and to learn how this service works and in the event of an emergency, how to use the service. A variety of public education materials are available online at ecomm911.ca. Materials include a special user guide, infographic with registration tips and step-by-step video in American Sign Language that shows you how to register, how to make a 9- 1-1 call and what will happen when you dial 9-1-1 using the Text with 9-1-1 service.

E-Comm is the largest 9-1-1 call centre in British Columbia and handles approximately 1.35 million emergency calls per year for Metro Vancouver and 24 other regional districts and communities spanning from Vancouver Island to Alberta and from the U.S. border, to north of Prince George. E-Comm also provides call-taking and dispatch services to 35 police and fire departments and operates the largest multi-jurisdictional, tri-service emergency radio system in the province.

Contacts:

Vancouver, B.C. — Police officers, firefighters and paramedics in the Lower Mainland will start to use new radios in 2017 that will be more effective and durable in challenging conditions and provide greater safety features for first responders.

E-Comm—Emergency Communications for British Columbia Incorporated—has signed agreements with JVCKENWOOD Canada Inc., Motorola Solutions Canada and RELM Wireless Corporation for the provision of radio equipment to be used by first responders on a new digital P25 regional emergency communications radio system currently in development by E-Comm and its public safety partners. Among the key features: Greater reliability, water immersion resistance, radio monitoring (enabling dispatchers to remotely activate radio microphones for improved responder safety), noise-cancelling technology to reduce background sounds and allow responders to be heard more clearly in noisy environments, increased security, GPS tracking, an expanded range of accessories and the ability to add new features through software upgrades in the future.

For the first time, emergency service agencies will also have their choice of radios from multiple pre-qualified vendors, providing them with the opportunity to choose from a range of products and price points that meet their specific requirements.

“There is a tremendous benefit in having agencies choose radio equipment that uniquely suits their needs,” explains Richmond Fire Chief John McGowan, chair of the radio user working group (composed of senior representatives from police, fire and ambulance services) that is collaborating with E-Comm in overseeing the radio system replacement. “The type of radio, its specific technology features and the manner in which radios are used, can differ between police, fire and ambulance agencies.”

For example, Chief McGowan says that larger radios are more desirable for firefighters who wear bulky protective gear such as gloves and jackets. Radios also need to be extra rugged to operate in firefighting conditions (i.e. waterproof); whereas police may prefer smaller, lighter radios that have longer battery life during extended events. “Being able to choose customized options means first responders are getting the best tools to do their jobs,” Chief McGowan adds.

The planned replacement of E-Comm’s radio system—known as the Next Generation Radio Program—is a multi-year initiative to replace the entire regional radio network currently used by all police departments and BC Emergency Health Services in Metro Vancouver and Abbotsford, in addition to 12 fire departments in Metro Vancouver. The new network will be based on digital radio technology known as Project 25 (P25) in the 700 MHz band, an open standard that public-safety agencies across North America have widely adopted and that has been endorsed by the Lower Mainland emergency services community.

E-Comm President and CEO David Guscott echoed Chief McGowan’s comments about the benefit of providing agencies with options for radios. “What it all comes down to is what’s best for the public safety community—helping first responders to be able to provide the highest level of service by ensuring they have the right radios at their disposal. I’m pleased to have such a wide variety of options available for our partners.”

Master Standing Offer agreements with JVCKENWOOD Canada Inc., Motorola Solutions Canada and RELM Wireless Corporation were signed following a Request for Proposal from pre-qualified vendors earlier in the year. Leading up to the signed agreements, a comprehensive technical evaluation of proposals and series of conformance tests were undertaken to ensure radios met the technical requirements of operating on the new P25 network. Selection of vendors occurred following evaluation and due-diligence assessment of proposals using a rigorous methodology incorporating independent external oversight.
The new radio network is scheduled to be fully rolled out across Metro Vancouver and Abbotsford by early 2018.

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Vendor Quotes

“JVCKENWOOD has a long established history of providing industry leading communication solutions to numerous federal, provincial and local government agencies in Canada and is pleased to be an approved radio equipment vendor for E-Comm. We look forward to providing a full suite of subscriber radio solutions to police, fire and ambulance agencies that are part of the E-Comm radio system.” Wilf Mulder, National Sales Manager – Professional Systems Division

“Motorola Solutions is dedicated to providing E-Comm and its member agencies with interoperable APX^TM P25 radios and equipment designed for their mission-critical communication needs. Our broad suite of solutions provides a variety of rugged features and options built to help keep British Columbia first responders and the people they protect safe for years to come.” George Krausz, President – Motorola Solutions Canada

“E-Comm is one of the largest and most respected public safety organizations in Canada. We are very excited about our new relationship with E-Comm and look forward to making it a mutual success for both organizations. Our goal is to provide great service to first responders in B.C. and to the rest of Canada.” David Storey, RELM President and Chief Executive Officer

About E-Comm
E-Comm operates the largest multi-jurisdictional, tri-service emergency radio system in the province and is the largest 9-1-1 call centre in British Columbia, handling approximately 1.35 million emergency calls per year for Metro Vancouver and 24 other regional districts and communities spanning from Vancouver Island to Alberta and from the U.S. border, to north of Prince George. E-Comm also provides call-taking and dispatch services to 35 police and fire departments in southwest B.C. For more information visit https://ecomm911.ca/.

Media Contacts:

E-Comm 9-1-1
Jody Robertson
604-215-4956
[email protected]

JVCKENWOOD Canada Inc.
Thomas Kingston
905-670-7211
[email protected]

Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Chantal Montsion
1-847-668-3050
[email protected]

RELM Wireless Corporation
Tim Vitou
321-984-1414
[email protected]

Vancouver, B.C. — E-Comm, Emergency Communications for British Columbia Incorporated, is pleased to announce its 2016-2017 Board of Directors. The announcement follows today’s Annual General Meeting, held at the emergency communications centre.

“We are confident that with the skills, experience and leadership of our Board of Directors we will be well supported as we work toward our vision of safer communities in British Columbia, through excellence in public safety communication,” said David Guscott, E-Comm president and CEO.

E-Comm’s board is composed of 19 directors and includes elected officials, representatives of emergency services and the provincial government, in addition to municipal staff and local community and business leaders.

2016-2017 Board of Directors:

1. Doug Campbell, Independent Director, Board Chair
2. Councillor Bruce Bell, nominated by Maple Ridge and City of Pitt Meadows
3. Becky Denlinger, nominated by Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
4. Barry Forbes, Independent Director
5. Mayor Jack Froese, nominated by Township of Langley, Cities of Surrey and White Rock
6. Lois Karr, nominated by RCMP
7. Jocelyn M. Kelley, Independent Director
8. Anne Kinvig, Independent Director
9. Councillor Raymond Louie, nominated by Metro Vancouver
10. Jack McGee, nominated by Independent Police Boards (Port Moody, West Vancouver, Transit Police, Abbotsford, New Westminster)
11. Councillor Bill McNulty, nominated by City of Richmond
12. Paul Mochrie, nominated by City of Vancouver
13. Clayton Pecknold, nominated by Ministry of Justice
14. Karl Preuss, nominated by The Corporation of Delta / Delta Police Board
15. Bob Rolls, nominated by Vancouver Police Board
16. Kathy Steegstra, nominated by BC Emergency Health Services
17. Councillor Mary Trentadue, nominated by Belcarra, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody
18. Mayor Richard Walton, nominated by District of North Vancouver, City of North Vancouver, District of West Vancouver, Village of Lions Bay
19. Terry Waterhouse, nominated by Township of Langley, Cities of Surrey and White Rock

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E-Comm is the largest 9-1-1 call centre in British Columbia and handles approximately 1.35 million emergency calls per year for Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast and Squamish-Lillooet Regional Districts and 22 other regional districts and communities spanning from Vancouver Island to the Alberta and U.S. borders, to north of Prince George. E-Comm also provides call-taking and dispatch services to 35 police and fire departments and operates the largest multi-jurisdictional, tri-service emergency radio system in the province.

Media contact:

Jody Robertson
E-Comm 9-1-1 Corporate Communications
604-215-4956
[email protected]

Vancouver, B.C. — Today the Port Moody Police Department (PMPD) moved its emergency call-taking and dispatch services to E-Comm. PMPD is the 17th police agency within southwest B.C. to integrate into E-Comm’s consolidated emergency communications centre; a transition that was the result of months of extensive operational and technical planning by PMPD and E-Comm.

Devon Moon, who’s been a Port Moody dispatcher for close to eight years and joined E-Comm as part of the transition, assumed command of Port Moody’s dispatch channels from within the E-Comm communication centre at 8:13 a.m. Immediately following the cutover Port Moody Chief Constable Chris Rattenbury made a special radio broadcast from E-Comm to PMPD members: “This is Chief Constable Rattenbury speaking to you from E-Comm. This is an exciting day that comes after a lot of hard work from a great many people. Welcome to E-Comm and have a great shift everyone.”

The Port Moody Police Board approved transitioning dispatch services to E-Comm following an internal analysis that concluded the change would provide additional safety enhancements for officers and the public. Port Moody Mayor Mike Clay, Chair of the Port Moody Police Board, said Port Moody’s primary focus was to find a dispatch partner that aligns with PMPD’s goals of a safe community and organizational excellence.

“Our police department has strong ties to the community and we are extremely proud of the level of service they provide to residents,” emphasized Mayor Clay. “The additional staffing resources we are now able to call upon through our partnership with E-Comm means more resources to support our community, enhancing service for our residents and increasing officer safety.”

All PMPD dispatchers were offered positions at E-Comm prior to the transition. PMPD staff have been familiarizing themselves E-Comm’s communication centre over the past several months, while E-Comm call-takers took part in cross-training to learn about Port Moody’s operations, community and geography in order to provide a broader base of support for their new colleagues.

“E-Comm has a longstanding relationship with the Port Moody Police Department which has been utilizing our radio system for more than 15-years,” added E-Comm CEO David Guscott. “We’ve been dispatching Port Moody Fire Rescue since 2002 and are ready to provide the same high-quality call-taking and dispatch service to their police department.”

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E-Comm is the largest 9-1-1 centre in British Columbia and handles approximately 1.4 million emergency calls per year. E-Comm also provides call-taking and dispatch services to 35 police and fire departments, including Port Moody Police and Port Moody Fire-Rescue, and operates the largest multi-jurisdictional, tri-service emergency radio system in the province.

Media contacts:

E-Comm 9-1-1
Jody Robertson
604-215-4956
[email protected]

Port Moody Police Department
Cst. Angela Fisher
604-469-4657
[email protected]

Videos

Vancouver, B.C. — Today the Delta Police Department (DPD) successfully transferred its emergency call-taking and dispatch services to E-Comm. The transition was seamless with veteran DPD dispatcher Karen Irwin, who joined E-Comm as part of the move, assuming command of dispatch at 7:26 a.m. DPD is the 16th police agency within southwest B.C. to integrate into E-Comm’s consolidated emergency communications centre.

Immediately following the changeover Delta Chief Constable Neil Dubord made a special radio broadcast from E-Comm to Delta officers: “This is Chief Neil Dubord calling to you from E-Comm. Welcome everyone to E-Comm. Today comes after a lot of hard work from everyone. Have a great shift – thank you.”

Earlier this year the Delta Police Board approved transitioning services to E-Comm following a multi-year evaluation of the department’s dispatch options that determined the move would provide additional operational benefits that would enhance officer and public safety. Delta Mayor Lois Jackson, chair of the Delta Police Board, said Delta’s priority was to make sure its residents and police department have the best and most efficient service possible.

“We are longtime partners with E-Comm as all of our first responders use the organization’s radio system and they have been dispatching for Delta Fire and Emergency Services for more than ten years,” said Mayor Jackson. I am pleased with our new police dispatch partnership and am confident in E-Comm’s ability to provide a level of service that supports Delta’s ‘no call too small’ approach.”

Benefits of E-Comm’s consolidated dispatch model includes being able to draw upon a larger workforce to help manage sudden increases in 9-1-1 calls, greater access to top-tier technology and achieving economies-of-scale through shared resources and infrastructure.

“Dispatch is a critical element of police response, which is why thorough preparation was our top priority for today’s transition,” added E-Comm President and CEO David Guscott. “We’re eager and ready to share our large team of experienced staff, our technology and purpose-built facility with residents and officers in Delta and we are proud to be their partners in public safety.”

All DPD dispatchers were offered positions at E-Comm prior to the transition allowing for the same staff that have been performing dispatch duties to continue in these roles. Training sessions have been underway over the past several weeks to help transitioning staff familiarize themselves with their new communication centre, while E-Comm call-takers have been involved in cross-training to learn about Delta’s operations, community and geography in order to provide a broader base of support for their new colleagues.

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E-Comm is the largest 9-1-1 centre in British Columbia and handles approximately 1.3 million emergency calls per year. E-Comm also provides call-taking and dispatch services to 34 police and fire departments, including Delta Police and Delta Fire & Emergency Services, and operates the largest multi-jurisdictional, tri-service emergency radio system in the province.

Media contacts:

E-Comm 9-1-1
Jody Robertson
604-215-4956
[email protected]

Delta Police Department
A/Sgt. Sarah Swallow
604-940-5016
[email protected]

Videos