UBCM is administering $60 million in funding to support local preparedness for the implementation of Next Generation 911 and to provide funding to eligible recipients to support the transition of existing 911 services to NG911. We have had numerous questions about base funding and have updated the program materials to provide more information.
Base funding, allocated at $45,000 per local government and Treaty First Nation, is intended to support local preparedness for the transition to NG911. The Program and Application Guide has now been updated to provide more information on the eligible activities for base funding:
- Public education specific to NG911, including information related to increased opportunities for better location identification, voice, real time text and sending image/video to 911. Examples of eligible activities include: specific education activities tailored to local demographics or economies (translation, culturally appropriate education materials, education tailored for tourism, seasonal workers, work camps, etc.); updating recipient websites, social media, newsletters.
- Legal and contract costs for migration to NG911 only, including service provider agreements with primary PSAPs and secondary PSAPs. Examples include: costs associated with reviewing and signing contracts (e.g. E-comm, Telus, or dispatchers for NG911).
- Mapping and GIS. Examples include: readiness assessments; mapping/GIS improvements related to boundary disputes, out-dated place/road names, Indigenous place names, etc.; mapping/GIS software licenses provided the software licence is dedicated to NG911 (or cost is pro-rated).
- Training for staff, local agencies, etc. including development of training materials. Examples include: targeted training for staff, elected officials, emergency response personnel, local fire departments and/or community organizations (e.g. search and rescue, mental health workers, frontline support staff for unsheltered community members, etc.)
Communities that do not currently have 911 service have also received approval agreements for base funding. This is due to the fact that many connectivity projects are underway in BC (fibre, broadband, etc.) and, given that recipients have three years to expend the base funding, some communities may be a position to move to NG911 within this timeframe.
For more information, please contact UBCM at lgps@ubcm.ca or 604-270-8226, extension 220.