Interlake residents can expect enhanced emergency services after a Canada-wide directive to upgrade the emergency communication network was issued by the federal Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to all telecommunications providers.
The CRTC wants the Next Generation 911, or NG911, emergency service implemented by March 31, 2027, across the country. That means telecommunications providers are required to update their networks from analog to digital so that emergency communications can include voice, real-time text messaging and photo and video sharing.
CRTC regulates telecommunications service providers and sets technical standards.
“Once launched, NG9-1-1 will give Canadians and first responders a tool that will provide quicker and more accessible communication during emergencies,” said the CRTC in a 2025 decision outlining the adoption of a GIS data model and standardized Canadian civic address format with regard to the Next Generation 911 service.
In Manitoba, BellMTS says its working towards transitioning to the enhanced service.
In March 2025, residents in the RM of Fisher repeatedly tried to reach 911 during a medical emergency after Dean Switzer had a heart attack. Their service provider, Telus, said the issue stemmed from a Bell equipment failure. And the RM of St. Laurent had raised concerns about intermittent cell service that impacted the local fire department’s ability to receive and respond to calls.
The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM), which represents 137 municipalities across the province, had asked the provincial government in 2025 to expand broadband and cellular services across Manitoba as insufficient coverage impacts both public safety and economic growth.
The AMM, the provincial justice department and Bell MTS have been in discussions regarding the transition to NG911, according to AMM executive director Denys Volkov in a June 9 member advisory.
The AMM wants greater clarity, communication and coordination to support municipalities during the 911 transition process.
The AMM is encouraging municipalities to sign a service agreement before September 2026 in order to “not risk losing access to 911” and having to possibly revert to the 10-digit emergency telephone dialling.
In the meantime, the AMM said the province has hired a consultant to assess municipal GIS (geographic information system) data, and the AMM will continue to urge the province to support GIS requirements.
GIS data creates real-time maps of zoning areas, as well as road conditions and street-level infrastructure such as water mains. It can help 911 dispatchers assist first responders by providing precise location data and improved call routing to optimize response times.
