The Metro Vancouver provides 9-1-1 for all 21 municipalities within the region as well as the community of Whistler and the Sunshine Coast Regional District.

Metro Vancouver's role in the 9-1-1 service
The Metro Vancouver contracts with Telus to have 9-1-1 calls delivered to a call answer centre operated by E-Comm Corporation (who are also contracted by the Metro Vancouver).

At E-Comm, call-takers route the 9-1-1 calls to the appropriate emergency service - police, fire or ambulance. The Metro Vancouver system includes numerous downstream agencies - communication/dispatch centres operated by local police and fire departments and the Provincial Ambulance Service - including:
- BC Ambulance Service
- Burnaby Fire
- Burnaby RCMP
- Coquitlam Fire
- Coquitlam RCMP
- Delta Police/Fire
- Langley RCMP
- New Westminster Police/Fire
- North Shore Fire Dispatch
- North Vancouver RCMP
- Port Moody Police/Fire
- Richmond Fire
- Richmond RCMP
- Ridge Meadows RCMP
- Surrey Fire
- Surrey RCMP
- Vancouver Fire
- Vancouver RCMP Subdivision
- West Vancouver Police
- White Rock RCMP

Language assistance provided
Not all callers to 9-1-1 are able to communicate in English - especially in an emergency. The Metro Vancouver subscribes to an online translation service through the Language Line. Within a minute, call-takers can have a translator on the line relaying information from the caller. In 1999, the GVRD used the service nearly 1,500 times and requested assistance in 40 different languages.

9-1-1 tips
Because 9-1-1 is a speed dial call, the Metro Vancouver strongly discourages pre-programming 9-1-1 into your phone - especially your wireless phone. Pre-programmed buttons can be accidentally bumped initiating calls and creating difficult situations for the call-takers who must listen to confirm you are not in need of assistance as your phone bounces along inside your pocket or purse.

Public education about 9-1-1
The Metro Vancouver supports a public education program on when to call 9-1-1 and what to expect when your call is routed to the police departments, RCMP detachments, fire departments and the ambulance service within the region.

Educational materials are available for various audiences, including instructional cards in 10 languages. Contact your local fire department's public education office or your local community police station to find out what is available for your needs.