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The Lethbridge Public Safety Communications Centre is getting an upgrade. (Photo: City of Lethbridge)

Public Safety Communication Centre in Lethbridge getting upgraded

Jan 30, 2023 | 11:33 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Public Safety Communications Centre is getting an upgrade.

The centre’s phone system is being moved to a computer-based softphone solution. The transition will take place on January 31, 2023, starting and 9 a.m., and should be finished by 12:00 p.m.

The update is happening to ensure City of Lethbridge phone systems are ready to integrate with nation-wide changes coming to emergency service phone lines, as directed by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

The changes could enable residents to send text messages, videos and more to emergency services in the future. More details are available at the CRTC website.

The City of Lethbridge said its 911 system has plans ready in the event of any system failures.

Officials do not expect any service interruptions but said there is a possibility of a delay should the backup systems need to be turned on.

The non-emergency lines for Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services and the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) will be transitioned at the same time. The City of Lethbridge said in a news release, “We do not expect callers to notice any change, however should there be a delay in the call being answered, it is likely that the lines are being transitioned at that moment. Callers are asked to hang up and call again if this situation occurs.”

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