Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Tel: 250-245-6400 Fax: 250-245-6411 Email: info@ladysmith.ca
Ladysmith, BC – The Town of Ladysmith acknowledges the release of the independent review of E-Comm 9-1-1, which examined governance, operational efficiencies, and financial controls of the province-wide emergency dispatch service.
In response, Mayor Deena Beeston has issued the following statement:
"The Town of Ladysmith has consistently opposed the downloading of RCMP E-Comm 9-1-1 costs onto Island municipalities like ours without prior consultation. This approach has created uncertainty for local governments and added financial pressures that are increasingly difficult to manage at the community level.
The Independent Review of E-Comm, along with the broader assessment of provincial 9-1-1 service delivery, makes it clear that the current model offered by the Province is complex, fragmented and no longer sustainable for local governments.
It has never been more evident that a coordinated, province-wide approach is needed to ensure reliable, resilient and financially stable emergency communications across B.C.
Ladysmith is a committed partner in public safety, and we welcome continued dialogue with the Province as it considers its next steps."
The Province commissioned the review in response to concerns from local governments, including the Town of Ladysmith, regarding unsustainable levy increases for E-Comm 9-1-1 services.
Conducted by EY, the review produced two reports: one examining E-Comm’s operations, governance, and financial controls, and another exploring potential provincial roles and service-delivery models for emergency dispatch.
The Town of Ladysmith is ready to work collaboratively with the Province and regional partners to support an equitable and sustainable, province-wide emergency communications system that meets the needs of communities across Vancouver Island and British Columbia.
Independent Review of E-Comm Report: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/ECommIndependentReview.pdf
Emergency Communications Service Delivery Model Report: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/ECommServiceDeliveryReport.pdf
For the latest news and updates, visit the Town’s website at www.ladysmith.ca, as well as Facebook and Instagram.
The Town of Ladysmith respectfully acknowledges that we gather and work on the unceded territory of the Stz'uminus First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.
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Media Contact Nicholas Pescod Communications & Engagement Specialist npescod@ladysmith.ca 250-268-0606