Bonnyville residents now have a faster and more dependable 911 service after the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority cut over to next-generation technology on June 15, 2026. The switch happened at 10:00 AM without any interruption to emergency calls, and people will still dial 911 the same way they always have.
The upgrade, called Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1), moves emergency communications from old copper networks to a modern internet-based system. It means dispatch teams can receive texts, photos, and videos from callers when it matters most, and pinpoint locations more accurately. A new purpose-built Emergency Communication Centre also opened the same day, giving staff a secure, state-of-the-art workspace designed around the digital platform.
“This marks a transformative milestone for public safety in our region,” said Annamarie Wirachowsky, Deputy Chief of Communications. “By combining a modern, state-of-the-art physical facility with next-generation digital technology, we are significantly enhancing our dispatch capabilities, improving regional interoperability, and ensuring our team has the tools they need to protect the communities we serve.”
The Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority provides 911 call answer and dispatch for fire, EMS, and constables across a wide area that includes the Municipal District of Bonnyville, County of St. Paul, County of Smoky Lake, and Fishing Lake Metis Settlement. Getting ahead of the March 2027 deadline set by the national regulator means the region is already using the most advanced emergency response tools available in Canada.
Months of planning, testing, and training for Emergency Communication Officers went into the smooth transition, according to the fire authority. Residents continue to reach help by dialing 911, with no change to the number they have always used.
