New technology being integrated into the 911 dispatch line will allow people to text if they aren’t able to speak or make noise.
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth made the announcement at the Saanich Fire Department Wednesday morning.
Farnworth said the province is investing $150 million as it works with local governments to upgrade BCs aging 911 emergency communications system.
The upgrades to the Canada-wide “Next Generation 911” will allow people to contact 911 confidentially through real-time text.
Dispatchers will also be able to locate victims through GIS mapping if they are unable to provide their address.
E-Comm, the organization that handles 99 per cent of the province’s 911 calls, will lead the implementation of the new system.
The $150 million dollar funding will be split into two parts with $60 million going to the Union of BC Municipalities to defray staffing, training and quality assurance costs, and $90 million will go to E-Comm to implement updates.
No timeframe was given on when the new service would be available.
