Overview
- City council’s Community Issues Committee, which voted 5–4 on Thursday to recommend rejecting the province’s terms, advanced a move that could end Lethbridge’s firefighter‑paramedic integration.
- City officials say EHS would cut $2.7 million from the EMS contract, leaving a $3.7 million gap by 2027 that would add about 1.8% to property taxes.
- EHS says ambulance service would continue if the city opts out, shifting to a competitive procurement or direct provincial delivery, with the city’s response due May 31 and most agreements expiring Sept. 30, 2026.
- City analysis warns ending integration could cut about 70 EMS and support jobs, require a $600,000 transition in 2027, and add roughly $1.1 million in ongoing yearly costs for fire operations.
- Firefighters’ union leaders warn fewer fully staffed ambulances and longer gaps in coverage would raise risks for patients and first responders.