The City of Edmonton has introduced a new Pedway Unique Identifier Program (UID) to improve emergency response times in the city’s downtown pedway system. Covering about 13 kilometres of interconnected tunnels, pedestrian bridges, and corridors, the network has until now lacked a consistent way to identify precise locations during emergencies.
Credit: City of Edmonton (The Pedway UID signs work like this: The code on the attached photogram, which would be provided to 911 operators in an emergency, shows the location in the pedway (PW), the floor (e.g. 2nd floor), and the segment of the pedway (e.g. 011).)
The UID program assigns addresses to each pedway segment, with signage installed throughout downtown and adjacent areas. These identifiers are integrated into emergency dispatch systems, allowing first responders to locate incidents more quickly and accurately.
The signage system uses a code format that indicates the pedway location, floor, and segment, details that can be relayed directly to 911 operators in case of an incident.
“This program helps ensure pedway users get the help they need as quickly as possible,” said project manager Ian Hosler, noting that the system resolves confusion caused by the complexity of the network.
The initiative is a collaboration between the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Police Service, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services, Alberta Emergency Medical Services, Transit Peace Officers, and private building owners. According to Jim Ellis, Senior Security Specialist with Enbridge, the system “will have a positive impact on emergency response times, enhancing the safety and security of all pedway users.”
Kay Anderson, Director of the Emergency Communications and Operations Management Branch (ECOMB), emphasized the importance of accuracy. “Every second counts during an emergency,” she said, explaining that the UID signs allow operators to guide responders to the nearest access points.
While the program is being rolled out in the downtown core, additional pedways connected to the Corona and Government Centre LRT stations, as well as MacEwan University, will also be included.