Lethbridge city officials have indicated that the city's integrated emergency medical services (EMS) and fire service could still continue, despite a city council decision to refuse new contract conditions from Emergency Health Services (EHS) Alberta. The city is 'keeping the door open' for further discussions or a future procurement process that might allow the southern Alberta city to maintain its integrated model.
Council Stands by Decision
Lethbridge city council has reaffirmed its earlier decision to decline EHS-Alberta's new contract conditions, citing the significant financial burden that accepting them would place on taxpayers. Mayor Blaine Hyggen emphasized that the decision is not about abandoning the integrated Fire and EMS model but about rejecting unachievable contract terms. 'What Council would like to see is the opportunity to collaborate with our partners on options that could work for all parties,' Hyggen stated.
Financial Impact
Currently, Lethbridge taxpayers contribute $3.5 million annually, on top of the provincial EMS contract, to sustain the integrated fire and EMS model. According to city figures, the proposed EHS funding changes would have added an extra $3.7 million in 2027, equivalent to a 1.8 percent tax increase, with costs rising to $4.2 million in 2028 and $4.6 million in 2029. For the average homeowner, this would have meant an additional $182 in taxes to support EMS, on top of existing education tax increases and other significant cost pressures.
Future Possibilities
Despite rejecting the new conditions, council voted against extending the current EMS contract, which expires September 30. City officials argue that extending the agreement would create more uncertainty for Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services. However, they remain open to further negotiations or a request for proposals process that could preserve the integrated model. EHS-Alberta has previously stated that if municipalities with integrated services decide against providing EMS at EHS costing, those services will enter a procurement process.
