April 9, 2026 — City of Burlington
Burlington Fire has advanced its emergency response capabilities with the successful transition to the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) network.
The new, modernized network will improve backup capabilities in the event of system failure, strengthen cybersecurity protection, and lay the groundwork for future capabilities, including real-time text and multimedia communications.
Burlington Fire transitioned to NG9-1-1, in keeping with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) mandate that provinces, municipalities, and Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) across Canada meet NG9-1-1 standards by the end of March 2027.
The Ontario government has provided close to $3 million since 2022 to support Burlington Fire’s transition to NG9-1-1.
Despite the implementation of the new network, there is no change in how residents access emergency services. Those in need of emergency assistance should still just dial 9-1-1.
Says MPP Natalie Pierre, “This is fantastic news for Burlington Fire and the broader community. Through the Ontario government’s investment in Next Generation 9-1-1, Burlington now has access to a modernized emergency communication system. This upgrade will enhance how emergency calls are managed, improve response times, and allow first responders to access more accurate information in moments that matter most.”
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Quick facts
· The Burlington Fire Communications Centre provides 9-1-1 emergency call-taking and fire dispatch services for the City of Burlington and Town of Oakville Fire Departments.
· Traditional 9-1-1 networks were designed many years ago for landline phones. NG9-1-1 better supports modern technologies like smart devices and digital networks.
