Haida Gwaii Joins 911 Emergency Network

Residents of Haida Gwaii and other remote Indigenous communities in British Columbia will soon benefit from easier access to emergency services, as they transition to the 911 dialing system. For years, these areas have relied on cumbersome 10-digit local numbers for critical services like ambulance, fire, and police. This change is made possible by an investment of up to $5 million from the province, aimed at making emergency access more consistent and straightforward for all residents.

The provincial government announced the funding, which will assist eligible communities in completing their transition to 911. This support includes public education initiatives, mapping, signage, and enhancements for fire departments. The Union of B.C. Municipalities will administer the fund, with applications opening from the current date until November 13. Approximately 14 other B.C. areas have also expressed interest in adopting 911, including Nisg̱a'a communities, Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Atlin, Bella Bella, Bella Coola, and others across the northern Interior, Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast.