New ID system to help with better emergency response times in downtown Edmonton

New signs with codes will be placed throughout the 13 kilometres of interconnected pedways and tunnels in downtown Edmonton to help emergency responders.

The City of Edmonton is introducing a new signage system for its downtown pedways to help emergency responders navigate the area.

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The Pedway Unique Identifier Program (UID), will have signage throughout the 13 kilometres of interconnected pedways and tunnels in the area.

“If there’s an incident and someone calls for help, first responders only have a building address to help them locate the caller,” said Ian Hostler, program manager of UID. “It can take time for them to figure out how to find that person.”

Each sign will have a code that will be used if someone needs to call 911 for an emergency. The codes have been programmed into the dispatch systems used by first responders to help pinpoint exactly where their help is needed.

The system will specifically help calls for police, ambulance, fire and transit peace officers.

Edmonton Police say the most common reason for delays during an emergency is confusion around the location.

“But in general, confusion around location is a very common issue in 911 services, no matter the location. So anything that we can do to improve our mapping systems and get crews there faster is going to be a net win for us,” said Kaye Anderson, Director of Edmonton Police Service’s emergency communications and operations management branch.

The UID program is being rolled out downtown with more than 500 signs and will eventually expand to include other areas like Government Centre LRT stations, MacEwan University and others.