Residents calling 911 in the St. Paul region will now be connected through a more advanced emergency communications system after the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority officially transitioned to Next Generation 911 (NG911).

Fire Chief Trevor Kotowich shared the update during his departmental report to Town council on June 22, calling the June 15 launch an important milestone for local emergency services.

Next Generation 911 replaces the decades-old analog system with a modern Internet Protocol (IP)-based network designed to improve how emergency information is shared with first responders.

Rather than relying solely on voice calls, the new system is built to support the transmission of text messages, photos and videos directly to emergency dispatchers as the technology continues to roll out across Canada.

“It allows for callers to seamlessly transmit voice, text messages, photos, videos in real time, allowing for more information to be shared with emergency responders,” Kotowich said.

The upgrade is intended to provide dispatchers and first responders with better situational awareness during emergencies, helping crews make more informed decisions before arriving on scene.

Busy month for firefighters

The technology upgrade capped off another active month for the St. Paul Fire Department.

Firefighters responded to 17 incidents during May, including four structure fires, two motor vehicle collisions, a wildland fire, medical assists, rescue calls and smoke alarm responses. Crews logged more than 228 hours on emergency scenes throughout the Town and County.

Kotowich also highlighted several training and community outreach initiatives completed over the past month.

He represented the department at the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association Conference in Red Deer, where he delivered a presentation to approximately 75 fire service professionals on firefighter recruitment and retention strategies.

Local firefighters also welcomed several school groups to the fire hall and visited schools throughout the community, giving students an opportunity to learn more about fire safety and emergency response.

In addition, department members completed fire investigation training, conducted firefighter certification exams and provided fire extinguisher training for members of the St. Paul Day Home Society.

Municipal enforcement balancing education and enforcement

Kotowich also provided council with an update on municipal enforcement activities, noting that officers continue to monitor issues related to public intoxication and vagrancy while maintaining a visible presence at weekend sporting events.

With unusually wet conditions delaying lawn maintenance across the community, enforcement officers have also taken a measured approach to tall grass complaints.

“With the amount of moisture received over the last few weeks, leniency is being exercised when it comes to tall grass in yards,” Kotowich noted in his report.

The Fire Chief also addressed an incident involving abusive behaviour toward municipal staff following the issuance of a bylaw notice.

“I absolutely will not tolerate, or any of my staff tolerate, verbal abuse and threatening gestures by anyone,” Kotowich wrote, adding that the Town remains committed to providing a respectful and safe workplace for employees.

During May, municipal enforcement focused heavily on public engagement, issuing a mix of educational warnings and enforcement actions under both municipal bylaws and provincial legislation.