Mayor Acker responds to ambulance contract concerns

SPRUCE GROVE -- Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Acker responded to residents' concerns about the city's plan to transition away from its integrated Fire-EMS model at this week's council meeting.

Acker made his remarks amid a packed council chamber, as residents continue to rally in support of the integrated service. Starting this fall, the City of Spruce Grove will be transitioning from its integrated services to provincially-delivered ambulances. The mayor reiterated the city's position, stating that they will not be reversing course unless a more fiscally acceptable path forward is presented by the province.

"We understand that this issue is concerning," said Acker. "Let me assure you that council takes our responsibilities in this decision extremely seriously. We live in this community, our families are in this community, we rely on the services just like every single one of you in this room, and all of our residents in this area. The decision being made hasn't been easy, and I thank you for your continued advocacy, the emails, attending our council's public input, and I appreciate the questions we've been getting."

Mayor Acker also discussed St. Albert's recent decision to extend their integrated service with the province on a new 2.5-year term. He says that while similar plans have been explored by Spruce Grove, it was determined that following in the same footsteps would not be beneficial for the city. 

"Recently, there's been a lot of discussion following the City of St. Albert's decision to extend their ambulance services with Alberta-EHS for two-and-a-half years, and we've heard from people whether Spruce Grove is considering that," said Acker. "We respect that decision made in St. Albert, and recognize that every single municipality must evaluate its own circumstances. However, it's important to understand that the option accepted by St. Albert does not represent a new opportunity for the City of Spruce Grove. It was an option that was previously presented to us and one that was carefully reviewed and considered by council. Our chief concern has never been about extending the timeline; our concern is the long-term funding impacts that follow."

He went on to mention that the city continues to wait for the province's independent benchmark review of the integrated services, which is expected by next week. If the province provides a new, improved path forward that makes sense for the city, Mayor Acker says that council will review its decision and possibly chart a different path forward.