The City of Nelson has secured $710,490 in provincial funding to strengthen its emergency response system.
The funding will support the purchase of Mobile Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) devices for local fire department vehicles.
A press release from the province said the funds will also go toward training, system enhancements, GIS mapping, and a records management system.
“Strengthening and modernizing emergency dispatch is incredibly important, especially in rural and remote areas where it can take time for emergency responders to reach their destination,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central.
“Upgrades like this across the province will complement the work we’ve been doing to support community safety.”
According to the province, the upgrades will also help communities prepare for the future implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG911).
The service is expected to make the 911 system more accessible and allow callers to provide dispatchers with additional information about their emergency, including photos and videos.
This funding is part of a $150-million investment to help B.C. transition to NG911.
E-Comm, which handles 99 per cent 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 B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) to help offset costs such as staffing, training, and quality assurance.
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