Today marks the 60th anniversary of Winnipeg's 3-digit emergency number.

On June 21, 1959, the 3-digit emergency number system was first adopted. Winnipeg on that day became the first city in North America to begin using the emergency system.

Now 9-1-1, the original number used in the Winnipeg area was 9-9-9. Two operators remained on duty around the clock to handle around 300 calls for help each day on the switchboard.

The easy-to-remember 9-9-9 number assisted Winnipeg residents, who had been previously required to know several different emergency numbers for each of the 16 municipalities at the time. 9-9-9 replaced a total of 32 different phone numbers, according to Winnipeg Police Service. Switchboard operators were able to quickly and efficiently connect callers with the necessary emergency personnel, whether police, EMS, or fire resources.

The number was officially changed to the current North American standard of 9-1-1 in 1975. An updated communications network replaced switchboards around 1990.

Today, the WPS is extending a warm thank you to all personnel who worked in the 9-9-9 or 9-1-1 Communications Centre at any time over the past 60 years, "providing a lifeline to the citizens of Winnipeg 24 hours a day, seven days a week."