Emergency response system modernized; local police say will enhance public safety

The Ontario government is investing up to $1,031,681 to help the Kawartha Lakes Police Service (“KLPS”) update and upgrade their emergency response capabilities to better reach people in need.

Today, Solicitor General Michael Kerzner announced $78 million for emergency telecommunications infrastructure across the province. This funding is the next stage in the $208 million investment that was announced in April 2022 to help municipalities and emergency response centres acquire the infrastructure, technology, and training needed to transition to a new 9-1-1 communications system known as Next Generation 9-1-1.

“When people are facing an emergency or crisis, we want to ensure they can receive the help they need quickly and efficiently” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “This additional funding for the KLPS will enable faster and safer responses when time is of the essence.”

Emergency operators, dispatchers and communicators are heroes of public safety, putting modern 9-1-1 technology at their fingertips will help keep our communities safe.

“Next Generation 911 will modernize emergency response infrastructure and enhance public safety. We are grateful for the provincial partnership that is supporting this transition,” said Mark Mitchell, Chief of Police for the Kawartha Lakes Police Service. “Ontario’s investment in NG911 technology will provide more precise location coordinates for mobile callers, text to 911 options and improve emergency response.”