Letter from Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General - Ref. 675349

Correspondence: South Island Police Dispatch Costs

Ref. 675349 VIA EMAIL

February 20, 2025

Mayors of the South Island Municipalities c/o Email: terri.brennan@northcowichan.ca

Dear Mayors of the South Island Municipalities:

Thank you for your letter of January 28, 2025, regarding concerns about the South Island Police dispatch costs. I am grateful that we were able to find a time to meet, and I appreciate hearing your concerns regarding this issue.

At our February 4, 2025 meeting, I heard from those present, their concerns surrounding the financial impacts of the assumption of E-Comm 9-1-1 (E-Comm) police dispatch costs on each community as of April 1, 2025. I heard concerns around the governance structure of E-Comm, the need to understand the calculation of their levy increases better, and the desire to have a Call-Answer Levy (CAL) implemented in BC. It was also noted that your communities are seeking an extension on the transition funding originally committed to in December 2020 and again in 2021, and for the Province to address the funding inequity around police dispatch costs in BC.

As you are aware, in December 2024, I instructed staff to initiate an independent review and investigation into the governance, financial, and operational effectiveness of E-Comm and 911 service provision in the province. This review was prompted by consistent and ongoing concerns raised by stakeholders, including yourselves. This review will provide recommendations for sustainable service delivery in the province including recommendations of future funding models. Our staff will work closely with the selected vendor to analyze these recommendations and consider what model may be best for BC. We commit to engaging with you and communities throughout the province at the earliest appropriate time. In addition, and as I noted at our meeting, I have also asked staff to continue their review on police dispatch cost inequity in BC.

Like other jurisdictions, BC is navigating a challenging fiscal environment, further complicated by threats of imminent tariffs. At the same time, there is a pressing need to strengthen vital services like healthcare and address significant infrastructure deficits that are holding back our economy. In February 2017, the South Island Police Dispatch Steering Committee (SIPDSC) announced the consolidation of police dispatch operations into one facility and serviced by E-Comm. The SIPDSC was made up of police chiefs from the region, and representatives from the Province, RCMP, and Capital Regional District. In December 2020, South Island Mayors received a letter from the Province regarding the requirement for new service agreements and funding arrangements to ensure services at the new dispatch centre were effectively and efficiently maintained. A meeting with the Mayors took place on December 10, 2020 to discuss background and information on new processes that would impact their 2021 budgets. At this meeting and in the subsequent December 18, 2020 letter, it was noted that transition funding would be provided in 2021/2022 along with a two-year transition plan created. A second letter to Mayors, dated June 18, 2021, further explained the rationale for the assumption of costs. In 2022, a second extension to the transition funding was provided through to April 1, 2025. At this time, no further extension to the transition funding will be provided. In accordance with the terms of your Municipal Policing Unit Agreements, your communities must assume responsibility for all police dispatch costs by this date. I also encourage you to finalize and sign your service agreements with E-Comm as soon as possible.

The work we are committing to is complex and requires time to be done thoughtfully and effectively. Meaningful progress does not happen overnight, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate each step with care and diligence. Our goal is to ensure that the outcomes are sustainable and beneficial for all, and we remain dedicated to keeping you informed and engaged along the way. Your support and understanding are important as we move forward together with this work.

Sincerely,

Garry Begg Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General

pc: Megan Harris, Assistant Deputy Minister, Corporate Strategic Initiatives