N.W.T. to nearly double its monthly 911 fee for residents

911 services were first introduced in the N.W.T. in 2019.  (Mario De Ciccio/Radio Canada - image credit)
911 services were first introduced in the N.W.T. in 2019. (Mario De Ciccio/Radio Canada - image credit)

The N.W.T. is nearly doubling the cost of 911 fees that residents pay each month.

In a news release Thursday night, the territorial government said the monthly fee will go from $1.70 to $3, starting on Jan. 1.

This marks the first rate change since 911 services were introduced in the territory in 2019.

The increase is to "recoup the full cost of providing the service so that it remains cost-neutral for the GNWT [Government of the Northwest Territories]," the release said.

"This increase reflects the actual costs of maintaining and operating 911, ensuring reliable emergency response across the territory."

The government says the cost applies to "all ratepayers with N.W.T. phone numbers."