TORONTO, June 30, 2026 – York Region and York Regional Police have completed their transition to a next-generation 911 digital network, connecting police, fire and paramedic services to a more secure digital infrastructure. When residents of Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and other York Region municipalities call for emergency assistance, the new system can improve the accuracy of location information and help dispatch centres send critical details to first responders more quickly.
Next-generation 911 is part of a nationwide emergency communications upgrade led by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. It is gradually replacing the older network, which relied primarily on traditional voice technology.
York Regional Police answers 911 calls across the region and transfers callers to police, fire or paramedic services depending on the emergency. Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services and Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service also participated in the system transition.
York Region said the digital network can improve the accuracy of caller location data. When a caller cannot clearly explain where they are, a call is suddenly disconnected, or an emergency occurs in an unfamiliar location, more accurate location information can help dispatchers and emergency crews identify the scene.
The system can also improve the transfer of information between emergency service agencies, allowing dispatch centres to send available details to police officers, firefighters or paramedics more quickly and accurately.
Since 2022, the Ontario government has provided York Regional Police with more than $1.4 million to support its transition to the next-generation 911 system.
The upgrade also establishes a foundation for richer forms of emergency communication in the future, including the transmission of additional digital information. However, York Region’s current announcement focuses on the digital network, location services and information-sharing improvements. It does not mean residents can already send photographs or videos directly to 911 in every situation.
Residents should call 911 when there is an immediate or imminent threat to life, a serious crime, a fire or a major medical emergency. General police reports, noise complaints, lost property or incidents without an immediate danger should be directed to non-emergency services.
After calling 911, residents should remain as calm as possible and answer questions about the location, nature of the emergency, number of people involved and any dangers at the scene. Dispatchers asking for additional details does not mean emergency responders have not already been sent.
Anyone who calls 911 accidentally should not hang up. The caller should tell the dispatcher that the call was made by mistake. Hanging up suddenly may require the dispatch centre to call back or send personnel to confirm whether an emergency exists, using public safety resources.
York Region said the new network will support future emergency communication upgrades and improve the ability of police, fire and paramedic services to receive and share critical information during emergencies.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
