Lethbridge rejects proposed EHS contract cost conditions

There are more twists and turns in the ongoing saga surrounding Emergency Medical Services in the province, including here in Lethbridge. On Tuesday evening, Lethbridge City Council voted 7-2 to reject a rescindment motion that would’ve pulled back its initial decision to notify the province its intent to not accept covering extra costs in a new integrated EMS services contract.

Council rejected the proposed contract over what they described could’ve had a “significant financial impact” on taxpayers. EHS has told the City if it refuses to accept covering new costs above the benchmark model of the proposed contract, EHS will move forward with either a procurement process or direct delivery model.

Accepting the proposed contract would mean that the average Lethbridge home worth $387,000 would have to pay an additional $182 annually to support EMS alone. Overall, it would’ve costed $3.7 million in 2027 (a 1.8% tax increase), and then grow to $4.2 million in 2028 and $4.6 million by 2029.

“I want the community and our staff to understand that this is not a decision to walk away from integrated Fire and EMS,” says Mayor Blaine Hyggen. “It’s only about the unachievable EHS contract condition we have been given. What Council would like to see is the opportunity to collaborate with our partners on options that could work for all parties.”

Elsewhere in Alberta, Red Deer and Strathcona County have accepted the EHS proposal for their communities, while the cities of Leduc and Spruce Grove have rejected theirs.