Spruce Grove City Council has voted to end its 22-year integrated fire and ambulance service model after deciding not to pay for additional provincial emergency medical services costs. The unanimous decision on May 10, 2026, means the city will transition away from its current arrangement when the provincial agreement expires on September 30, 2026.
The City of Spruce Grove was faced with a choice from the provincial government: either pay an additional $1 million annually with uncapped future increases, or turn the ambulance service back over to the province. Mayor Jeff Acker said the city decided against the funding increase because healthcare is a provincial responsibility, and it would not be sustainable to use local property taxes to cover provincial expenses.
While the ambulance service will transition, the city will continue to provide emergency medical support. Council members voted to maintain the current level of Medical First Response provided by the Spruce Grove Fire Services. The city is also looking at potentially expanding these support services in future budgets.
Fire Chief Chad Priebe noted that the city has been recognized for the quality of its current service delivery, and the standard of care provided by local crews is not in dispute. The province has committed to working with the city on a transition plan to ensure that emergency care for residents remains continuous.
Spruce Grove is one of several municipalities across Alberta that received similar contract terms from the province earlier this year. Other cities have made different choices, with some deciding to absorb the costs through tax increases, while others have opted to transition their services to the province.
