A new procurement process for Alberta’s ground ambulance services is among four proposals municipal leaders from across Alberta, including Airdrie, are set to consider as the Spring Municipal Leaders’ Caucus opens Thursday.
The two-day meeting, running March 26–27 in Edmonton, brings together elected officials from member municipalities. The Premier, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Leader of the Opposition are expected to attend.
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Airdrie is among the municipalities represented through Alberta Municipalities, which includes cities, towns and other local governments across Alberta.
Emergency Health Services (EHS)-Alberta has stated it intends to issue a Request for Proposals for the majority of ground ambulance services across Alberta, with the process expected to begin in summer 2026 and lead to new 10-year service agreements.
EHS-Alberta currently holds contract agreements with approximately 30 service providers delivering ground ambulance services across Alberta.
Current contracts are set to expire September 30, 2026, with transition provisions in place to maintain service continuity through September 2027.
The issue is the subject of a proposal submitted by the Town of Stettler.
The submission calls on Alberta Municipalities to advocate for municipal consultation in the development of the new procurement framework.
It states the procurement process “represents a significant system redesign event,” with the potential to alter provider selection, deployment models and performance requirements.
It also cites existing pressures, including “reduced local coverage” and “extended periods where no ambulance is available within a reasonable response radius.”
Municipal leaders will also consider a proposal from the Town of Daysland calling for a review of the province’s Police Funding Model and measures to limit increases.
The submission states the town’s policing requisition is projected to rise from $57,831 in 2026 to $128,880 by 2031, representing more than a 120% increase over five years.
Another proposal, from the Town of Sylvan Lake, asks Alberta Municipalities to advocate to the federal government to remove GST from municipal franchise fees applied on utility bills.
The submission states GST is applied to the distribution portion of utility bills, including the municipal fee, creating what it describes as “a ‘tax on a tax.’”
A fourth proposal, from the City of Lacombe, calls for federal reconsideration of the decision to close the Lacombe Research and Development Centre.
The submission states the closure would affect more than 100 employees and cites impacts on agricultural research capacity.
Requests for Decision allow municipalities to bring forward issues requiring consideration ahead of the annual convention.
During the caucus, municipalities may revise proposals before voting. Approved items are referred to Alberta Municipalities’ policy committees for further review
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