what3words

The what3words app is now available in Ontario for iOS and Android devices.  Based on a global mapping system, the app assigns three-word tags to three-metre locations. When 911 gets these three-words, they are able to convert them into latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates and quickly locate the emergency.

The app can function without cell service. For example, if you’re out on a lake and your boat has broken down, you can identify the three metre square area you’re stranded in (rather than saying you’d travelled about 40 minutes from shore in a rough direction). Also, emergency services can send a link to users without the app that will show the caller’s three-word location tag.

It is recommended that you obtain the three-word tag for your cottage while standing on your dock so that they correspond to the location of the cottage island number.