MLA Lajeunesse says funding will improve emergency response in Juan de Fuca region
METCHOSIN – New Democrat MLA Dana Lajeunesse says that emergency responders in Malahat, Metchosin, and Sooke will be better equipped to provide services to people, thanks to new funding for improved 911 communication systems.
“Especially in some rural areas, access to 9-11 services is a lifeline,” said Dana Lajeunesse, MLA for Juan de Fuca-Malahat. “Improving these services will better connect our residents to the emergency services they expect, and the care they deserve”
In the Juan de Fuca region, the following municipalities received funding:
- Malahat (funding given to the Cowichan Valley Region District shared between multiple recipients), $100,000 for computer aided dispatch upgrade for the Fire Department
- Metchosin, $98,500 for mobile computer aided dispatch equipment and installation
- Sooke, $100,000 for public education, mapping and civil addressing, legal and contracts
These upgrades and improvements will also help communities to prepare for the future implementation of Next Generation 911. This service will make the 911 system more accessible and allow callers to provide dispatchers with additional details about their emergency, including photos and videos.
This funding is part of a total investment of $150 million to help B.C. prepare for the transition to Next Generation 911. E-Comm, which handles 99% of B.C.’s 911 call volume, received $90 million for technological upgrades. The remaining $60 million was distributed to communities through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) to defray costs, such as staffing, training and quality assurance.
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023PSSG0012-000245