City of Spruce Grove will not fund additional EMS cost; Province to lead service transition

Following careful review, Spruce Grove City Council voted Monday evening not to fund the additional cost associated with the provincial Ground Ambulance Service Agreement, a decision that will result in the transition away from the City’s current integrated Fire-EMS service model.

"This has not been an easy discussion or debate, and it’s not taken lightly by this Council,” said Mayor Jeff Acker. “The ultimatum by the Province on integrated Fire-EMS service models was unfair to the City of Spruce Grove, to all other municipalities with integrated service models, and to other municipalities served by these integrated units. Fundamentally, health care is provincial jurisdiction, and it would neither be sustainable nor fiscally responsible for us, as a municipality, to subsidize provincial matters."

The Province has indicated it is working to standardize ground ambulance service delivery across Alberta, while stating that integrated models operate at a cost higher than comparable models elsewhere in Alberta. Council’s decision aligns with the Province’s direction while maintaining the City’s principled position that health care funding is a provincial obligation.

“We are not in the business of absorbing open-ended provincial health care costs on behalf of local taxpayers, nor should we be,” said Mayor Acker. “The Province has committed to maintaining service levels for our residents, and we take that commitment seriously."

Following the unanimous decision of Council not to fund out-of-jurisdiction provincial costs, Council put forward a motion to support and maintain Medical First Response (MFR) at an Advanced Life Support (ALS) level by Fire Services, providing timely medical aid to patients on-scene, as appropriate. A second motion directed City Administration to explore options for potentially expanding MFR services in Spruce Grove’s 2027-2029 Budget and Fiscal Plan. Both motions received unanimous Council support.

The current ambulance contract runs through September 2026. The Province has indicated it will collaborate with the City in developing a transition plan, and the City will engage fully with that process to ensure continuity of care for residents.

"There is no debate that the City has enjoyed the benefits of an integrated model, and there is no questioning the professionalism, standard of care, and response that the leadership and members of Spruce Grove Fire Services have provided residents of the City and beyond under this model,” said Fire Chief Chad Priebe. “This has not been, and is not being, disputed by EHS, City Administration, or City Council. In fact, the City has been celebrated for its service delivery, as have other integrated departments in Alberta.”

The alternative option provided by the Province would have resulted in the City absorbing an additional cost of around $1 million per year at the start, with projected annual increases after that. The City will provide further updates as the Province’s transition plan takes shape. Visit sprucegrove.org for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Spruce Grove still an integrated Fire-EMS service?
Spruce Grove will maintain an integrated Fire-EMS service for the duration of the current Ground Ambulance Service Agreement, which runs through September 30, 2026, and through a transition period to follow. Once the City transitions out of providing ambulance services on behalf of the Province, Spruce Grove will no longer operate as an integrated Fire-EMS service.

Spruce Grove Fire Services will continue to provide Medical First Response, delivering timely, on-scene medical aid as appropriate, but will not operate ambulances or transport patients.

When will this change take effect?
The current Ground Ambulance Service Agreement with EHS-Alberta expires on September 30, 2026. The Province has indicated it will work with the City to develop a transition plan, though we do not yet know the specifics or timing of that plan.

Will emergency response times be affected?
Ambulance response is coordinated through Alberta's provincial emergency response system. However, the Province has committed to maintaining service levels for Spruce Grove residents, and Council takes that commitment seriously. Spruce Grove Fire Services will continue to respond to medical emergencies, providing Medical First Response on-scene until an ambulance arrives, as reconfirmed by Council.

Does this change mean residents will receive a lower level of care?
The Province has committed to maintaining service levels for Spruce Grove residents. Council takes that commitment seriously.

Spruce Grove Fire Services will continue to provide Medical First Response at an Advanced Life Support (ALS) level on the City's fire apparatus. Council has also directed Administration to put forward a business case for potentially enhancing MFR for consideration in the 2027–2029 Budget and Fiscal Plan, reflecting Council's commitment to maintaining a strong local medical first response capability. MFR does not include medical transport.

Will the Province dedicate ambulances to Spruce Grove?
The Province is responsible for determining and communicating its alternate service delivery model, which remains unknown at this time.

Are other Alberta municipalities impacted?
Six municipalities are making independent decisions about whether to accept new terms from EHS-Alberta, including Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Strathcona County, Leduc, Red Deer, and Lethbridge.

Why did Council decide not to fund the additional cost?
Council analyzed the financial, operational and jurisdictional dimensions of the Province's proposal. The additional cost is approximately $1 million annually at the outset, with projected increases each year, with no cap on future costs. Council determined funding this cost is not sustainable or appropriate, as health care delivery (including ambulance service) is a provincial responsibility. Council was clear in its position that municipal property taxes should not be used to subsidize an open-ended provincial cost in an area outside municipal jurisdiction.

What is Medical First Response and why is Spruce Grove keeping it?
Medical First Response (MFR) is the timely, on-scene medical care provided by Spruce Grove Fire Services to patients prior to the arrival of an ambulance. It does not include patient transport to hospital.

MFR falls clearly within municipal jurisdiction as part of local fire and emergency services. Council voted unanimously to inform EHS-Alberta of the City's intent to continue providing MFR as part of the local Fire Services program, in partnership with Emergency Health Services. A second unanimous motion directed Administration to develop a business case for potentially expanding MFR in the 2027–2029 Budget and Fiscal Plan.

What should residents do if they have a medical emergency?
If you have a medical emergency, call 911 as you always would. Emergency dispatchers will send fire, ambulance or other resources as required.

What does this mean for Spruce Grove Fire Services staff?
Spruce Grove Fire Services will continue as a strong, professional municipal fire service, with Medical First Response as part of its mandate. Specific staffing implications cannot be addressed at this stage. Those details will be determined through the Province's transition planning process. Any employees affected by this transition will be treated with respect and dignity, and the City will communicate directly with affected team members as information becomes available.

Where can residents go for more information?
Residents can visit sprucegrove.org for the most up-to-date information.