Winnipeg, MB – The implementation of a $1 surcharge on phone bills for 911 upgrades in Winnipeg has been delayed, according to city officials.
The surcharge, which was set to take effect on January 1, 2021, was intended to fund upgrades to the city’s 911 system. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the implementation has been pushed back.
City officials have stated that the delay is necessary in order to ensure that the upgrades are done properly and efficiently. They also assure residents that the delay will not affect the quality or availability of emergency services.
The decision to implement the surcharge was made in response to a recommendation from the Winnipeg Police Board, who identified the need for upgrades to the 911 system in order to improve response times and overall emergency services.
The surcharge was expected to generate approximately $1.5 million annually, which would have been used to fund the upgrades. However, with the delay, the city will have to find alternative sources of funding for the project.
Residents who were expecting to see the surcharge on their phone bills in the new year will now have to wait until further notice. The city has not provided a specific timeline for when the surcharge will be implemented.
In the meantime, city officials are working diligently to ensure that the upgrades to the 911 system are completed as soon as possible. They urge residents to remain patient and assure them that the delay is in the best interest of the community.
This delay serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency services and the need for constant improvements to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. The city will continue to provide updates on the status of the surcharge and the progress of the 911 upgrades.
