Debate continues re: ambulance service delivery in Spruce Grove

SPRUCE GROVE -- Emotions were high at this week's council meeting in Spruce Grove.

This came amid the ongoing debate surrounding the city's integrated Fire-EMS service, which is set to transition to a provincially-delivered ambulance service at the end of the month. Over the past several weeks, residents, along with members of the local firefighters union, have pressed the city to reconsider their decision due to concerns surrounding a possible reduction in the quality of ambulance services and medical response. Spruce Grove cited increased costs as a primary reason for their decision. 

During public commentary on Oct. 13, 2026, residents once again came out in droves to refute council's decision to transition away from integrated Fire-EMS. Many of the comments centered around concerns from residents that council failed to properly represent the will of the people in their decision.

"This is a very scary, dangerous decision you've made for all of us, without any of our input," said Shannon Higgins with Save Spruce Grove Fire-EMS. "When I first stood at this podium, I was fighting to protect the emergency service that saved my husband's life. Tonight, I'm standing here questioning something I never thought I'd have to question: the leadership of the people elected to protect this community. Because somewhere along the way, you've lost sight of what should have been the number one priority -- the safety of Spruce Grove residents."

Following public commentary, David Wolanski, Spruce Grove's GM of Community and Protective Services, presented a report on the future of ground ambulance services. The staff report included decision timelines, public consultation, and a section which aimed to "clarify misinformation" about the city's decision. 

"We've heard concerns as administration that city council has not listened to residents in making and upholding their decision. I say this respectfully -- but listening to feedback and ultimately agreeing with it are not necessarily the same thing," said Wolanski. "Those who oppose a decision are often more visible and directly engaged at council meetings. This is a common dynamic in public decision-making where those with strong concerns may be more likely to attend meetings or provide feedback. That perspective is important, and should absolutely be heard, but it does not necessarily represent the views of the entire community."

The matter surrounding how ambulance services are delivered in Spruce Grove began when the province informed all seven municipalities currently operating integrated Fire-EMS that they would be required to pay more to continue the service. According to the neighbouring City of Leduc, this equated to $1 million in extra costs per year. Out of the seven affected municipalities, only Leduc and Spruce Grove voted to no longer continue the integrated service and instead transition to provincial ambulance services.