911 service 'mostly restored' in the N.W.T., Yukon

CBC
·2 min read
A cell phone with digits 911 typed, but not dialed, on the keypad. (Liny Lamberink/CBC - image credit)
A cell phone with digits 911 typed, but not dialed, on the keypad. (Liny Lamberink/CBC - image credit)

911 service is being restored in the N.W.T., Yukon and northern B.C., but officials are warning people that connectivity issues may continue.

In the Yukon:

In an advisory midday Sunday, the Yukon government said 911 service was "mostly restored" in the territory and northern B.C. However, "with wildfires ongoing in BC and the NWT, connectivity issues may continue over the next few days," it said.

The advisory told people to try calling 911 first in case of an emergency. It also offered guidance for people if they struggle to get through.

People living outside of Whitehorse are being told to call for emergency healthcare by using the phone outside of the community health centre or the local RCMP detachment.

Ambulances are stationed at the following locations "depending on availability" the territory said:

  • Canada Games Centre

  • Qwanlin Mall/Independent

  • Porter Creek gas station (Wann Rd & Alaska Hwy)

  • Rest stop at the top of South Access/Robert Service Way

  • Whistle Bend roundabout (Whistle Bend Way & Casca Blvd.)

  • Riverdale Super A

The Yukon government said people can also get help at the RCMP detachment on 4th Avenue and at both of the city's fire halls.

In the N.W.T.: 

Catherine Newsome, a spokesperson for Northwestel, said the technology that enables 911 calls in the N.W.T. is working, but because of issues with the territory's fibre lines, there could still be 911 service problems in some communities.

She said the telecommunications company was advising people to defer to local authorities on how to access emergency services.

In Inuvik, the local fire department told residents to resume calling 911 in case of an emergency. Residents who are having problems calling should go to the local RCMP detachment or the Advanced Medical Solutions building for help, it said.

The City of Yellowknife also directed people to starting using the 911 emergency number again Saturday night, saying temporary numbers for fire and medical emergencies had been deactivated.