The Owen Sound Emergency Communications Centre Launches Next Generation 9-1-1

December 2, 2025

The Township of Chatsworth Fire Department, in partnership with the Owen Sound Police Service (OSPS), is
pleased to announce the launch of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) at the Owen Sound Emergency
Communications Centre (OSECC), marking a significant milestone in The Township of Chatsworth Fire
Department’s commitment to strengthening public safety and emergency response.

The OSECC has been providing professional dispatch services for The Township of Chatsworth Fire
Department since 2013 and in other communities across Ontario for over 30 years.
Today’s transition from the legacy 9-1-1 emergency phone network now provides a digital infrastructure for
modern emergency telecommunications. While dialing 9-1-1 remains unchanged for callers, the underlying
transformative technology provides faster, more reliable help when people need it most. The upgrade’s
enhanced features include:
– More accurate caller location and phone number information
– Enhanced cybersecurity, with added backup capabilities to ensure system reliability
– Future ability to support real-time text messaging and other digital technologies

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has mandated that all service providers
and Primary Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) must transition to the new NG9-1-1 network by March
2027.

Over the last five years, the OSPS has invested significant time and resources into the NG9-1-1 program, such
as purchasing, installing, and updating technology at both the PSAP’s primary and back-up sites, participating
in voice trials, identifying potential engineering issues with networks, and developing a host solution for
other agencies across Ontario.

“I’d like to recognize the outstanding work of our dedicated team in this monumental step forward for the
Owen Sound Emergency Communications Centre,” said Police Chief Craig Ambrose. “This transition to NG9-
1-1 allows us to continue evolving and improving services for our Communicators, Police Officers and other
Emergency Responders, and most importantly, to the people we serve in Owen Sound, and in communities
all across Ontario.”

The Ontario government has provided more than $3.1M since 2022 to support the Owen Sound Emergency
Communications Centre’s transition to NG9-1-1.

“Upgrading Ontario’s public safety communications will be a game changer,” said Hon. Michael Kerzner,
Solicitor General of Ontario. “Next Generation 9-1-1 gives first responders real-time, life-saving information
which means a faster, more effective emergency response. Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our
government will always have the backs of those who protect our province. That’s why we are proud to
provide funding to Owen Sound 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.”

When to Call 9-1-1:

911 is for police, fire, or medical emergencies when immediate action is required: someone’s health safety or property is in jeopardy, or a crime is in progress.

Please use 9-1-1 responsibly – it is not an information line. 9-1-1 call-takers cannot provide information on the weather, power outages or phone numbers for other municipal services.

PDF of Media Release.