Yellowknife (Sep 22/04) - The territorial government has refused to provide financial assistance to bring the 911 system to Yellowknife, stating that it would be unfair to smaller communities.

Were the city to implement the service on its own, residents would pay an extra 32 cents a month on their telephone bills, as well as contribute approximately $420,000 in additional taxes per year.

Yellowknifer took to the streets to ask residents their opinions.

"I don't know the emergency numbers in Yellowknife with certainty, so we should definitely have the 911 service," said Mary Dale-Taylor. "But the $420,000 a year in tax increases is way too much. We should have the 32 cent charge on our phone bill and the government should help out with the rest."

Resident Darin North agreed.

"I don't know the emergency numbers in the area, and it is certainly too complicated if you are a kid," he said. "Yellowknife is growing and we need the service here.

Resident Ann Lange, said there are other solutions to the situation.

"I think the 911 service would be helpful here, and while the charge on the phone bill is reasonable, the $420,000 in taxes is too much at one time," said Lange. "If we were to pay over a couple of years, that would make more sense."

Other residents are even willing to pay the additional taxes and charges to get the system running in the city.

"With a system like that which is easy to remember, I think it's worth the 32 cents and the tax increase," said Sandeep Dhaliwal.

"I have had to use the emergency service and it is hard to remember the Yellowknife numbers," said Ashton Hawker.

"I think we need the 911 service for sure, and the phone charges and taxes are not too much to bear."

Norm Pottinger said the current system is sufficient.

"I know the emergency numbers for Yellowknife, though I've never needed to use them. I honestly can't see the 911 service being economical," said Pottinger.

However, most residents agree that the existing system is just not simple enough.

"I have been here six years and I still don't know the emergency numbers," said Cathy Olson. "I just tell my kids to dial the operator and they'll put them through to the right service.

"They just can't remember the numbers. Quite frankly, I couldn't believe it when we came here that there was no 911 service already in operation."

Resident Joe McBryan feels that no price is too high for peace of mind.

"I know the emergency numbers and find them simple to remember," he said. "But I still feel that we need the 911 service. The charges and tax increase are reasonable to give people the comfort zone and knowledge that help is close by."

The consensus is that the system should be brought to the city as soon as possible.

"You never know when you might need it and it should definitely be up here," said Linda Hilton. "It is a free service in Ontario, so I think the government here should provide funding for it as well."

"I think it is a service that should definitely be here," agreed Julie Budd, "and I think it is one that the government should pick up."