Call the right non-emergency numbers for everything else.
211 for social services (housing, employment)
311 for municipal services (garbage, by-laws)
811 for confidential health information
988 to access the Suicide Crisis Helpline
Peel Police at 905-453-3311
Brampton, ON (May 8, 2025) – Peel Region has launched the “When Every Second Counts” awareness campaign aimed at reducing non-emergency 911 calls and educating the public on proper use of 911. The campaign is part of the first-ever provincewide initiative launched by the Emergency Services Steering Committee (ESSC) to tackle 911 misuse, an issue that continues to strain emergency services.
Peel’s campaign will educate residents using social media, digital advertising such as overpass highway billboards, convenience store street level signs and point-of-purchase screens, municipal and library screens, ads on TransHelp buses and in local ethnic newspapers.
ESSC is a joint committee of the municipalities that comprise the Big City Mayors of Ontario (BCMO), the Mayors and Regional Chairs of Ontario (MARCO), and the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards (OAPSB). It includes emergency service experts, paramedics, police, fire and municipal leaders from across the province.
In 2024, Peel’s 911 operators received over 767,000 calls, with more than 114,000 of those calls for non-emergencies, including accidental dials and frivolous inquiries. As part of the “When Every Second Counts” campaign, residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with alternative non-emergency numbers, including:
- 211 for housing, employment, senior supports, and other social services.
- 311 for garbage, bylaws, and other local government services.
- 811 for answers to confidential health questions.
- 988 for anyone thinking suicidal thoughts or worried about someone who is.
Residents are also asked to use police non-emergency numbers to report excessive noise, accidents without injury, or theft if the intruder has left:
- 905-453-3311 for Peel Police
- 1-888-310-1122 for Caledon O.P.P.
Peel and our emergency services partners are dedicated to ensuring our residents have the right information and resources at their fingertips, so 911 remains available for those in urgent need.
More information about the proper use of 911 can be found at peelregion.ca/911.