The Saskatoon Fire Department has implemented a new IP-based emergency communications system known as Next Generation 9-1-1.
According to the Saskatoon Fire Department, the NG911 upgrade will improve the speed, accuracy, and reliability of emergency call handling across the city.
The system replaces the traditional analog 911 infrastructure with a digital network designed to deliver better caller location data, faster call routing, and stronger system resilience during peak or crisis events.
Residents will continue using the 911 number for emergencies.
However, NG911 is designed to allow future upgrades that will support text messages, images, and video sharing with emergency services.
Deputy Chief Rob Hogan said: “This technology upgrade speaks to our department’s commitment to our community’s safety.”
He added: “In an emergency, every second matters.”
He continued: “The new NG911 system equips our team with faster, more accurate information—helping us respond more quickly, make better decisions on the ground and ultimately deliver a higher level of service to the residents of Saskatoon.”
The Saskatoon Fire Department explained that NG911 introduces a number of enhancements for emergency communication centers.
One key feature is improved location accuracy.
The department stated that emergency call centers will now receive more detailed geographic data, enabling better coordination and reducing response times.
It also noted that faster routing will allow emergency calls to connect more efficiently to the appropriate agency or responder.
This is intended to limit delays during time-sensitive situations.
The department added that NG911 is also designed with system resilience in mind.
The infrastructure can continue operating under high-demand conditions or during network issues, providing backup capabilities that were not available in the legacy system.
According to the Saskatoon Fire Department, the nationwide rollout of NG911 is being led by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission.
The CRTC has mandated that all emergency communications systems across Canada must migrate to NG911 by 2027.
SFD confirmed that it is now the 20th Public Safety Answering Point in Canada to complete the transition.
There are more than 200 PSAPs across the country.
The department said this puts Saskatoon ahead of schedule in meeting the federal requirements.
It added that early adoption will give the city a longer timeline for testing, optimization, and training.
The Saskatoon Fire Department said NG911 was built with future upgrades in mind.
The department stated that upcoming phases will allow residents to send text messages directly to 911.
It also expects the system to support photo and video sharing capabilities, which could help emergency responders understand situations in real time.
This feature is not yet active, but SFD said the platform is designed to support these functions as standards and infrastructure develop.
According to the department, adding multimedia inputs will help responders make faster, more informed decisions in evolving emergencies.
The Saskatoon Fire Department noted that the move to NG911 is one element in its broader efforts to improve emergency services through technology.
The department said other initiatives include enhanced digital mapping, data integration, and resilience planning.
It added that the NG911 upgrade aligns with its long-term strategy to meet growing urban demands and support emergency readiness in the region.
Deputy Chief Rob Hogan said: “This transition is a major step forward for how we deliver emergency services.”
He added: “It reflects a long-standing goal to bring modern tools into the hands of our dispatch and response teams.”
He continued: “We’re proud to be among the first in Canada to implement this system.”
The Saskatoon Fire Department has launched the Next Generation 9-1-1 emergency communications system.
The NG911 platform uses IP-based technology to replace traditional analog 911 systems.
It is designed to improve call routing, location accuracy, and system resilience.
Residents will continue to dial 911 for emergencies as before.
The system will later support text, photo, and video inputs.
Deputy Chief Rob Hogan said the upgrade helps responders act more quickly and effectively.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission requires all 911 services to switch to NG911 by 2027.
SFD is the 20th Public Safety Answering Point in Canada to complete the transition.
There are more than 200 PSAPs across the country.
The department stated the update is part of a broader modernization effort.
