City reviewing proposed changes to provincial ground ambulance service agreement

The City of Spruce Grove has been advised by Emergency Health Services – Alberta (EHS-AB) of potential changes to the current ground ambulance service agreement, which could have significant implications for local emergency medical services.

EHS-AB has indicated it intends to restructure the funding terms of the agreement that governs our ambulance operations. In essence, the Province is asking the City to absorb additional costs to maintain the service, or to transition ambulance operations to an alternate provider of its choosing, as health care is a provincial responsibility.

“The City of Spruce Grove takes this matter very seriously,” said Mayor Jeff Acker. “Our integrated Fire-EMS model has served this community with distinction for more than 20 years, setting a high standard that our residents have come to expect.”

Spruce Grove is one of six Alberta municipalities which received similar letters from EHS-AB on March 13, 2026, all with integrated Fire-EMS services. An extension to the initial March 31 deadline was requested and granted by the Province, to May 31. City Administration is now conducting a thorough analysis, with no decisions having been made at this point.

“Our priority right now is making sure we have all the information we need, as Council, before we come to a decision,” said Mayor Acker. “We don’t have an exact timeline for that right now, which I understand might be frustrating for people looking for answers. I will say, though, that any sustainable solution must balance a high level of service with fiscal responsibility. This balance requires us to be thoughtful and careful with any decision we make.”

In 2025, Spruce Grove Fire-EMS crews responded to nearly 5,500 ambulance calls without ever having an unstaffed ambulance. Crews also often provide surge capacity for municipalities throughout the region.

Council is committed to keeping the community informed as the process moves forward. Updates will be shared on the City’s website and Facebook page.