Lethbridge homeowners would have faced an extra $182 in property taxes over three years just to keep ambulance service running under terms the province offered the city. City Council said no.
Council upheld its original March 24 decision this week, refusing to agree in advance to cover additional costs tied to a new EMS Ground Ambulance Agreement with Emergency Health Services (EHS) Alberta. A motion to reverse that decision was defeated 7-2.
$3.7 Million Hit in Year One Alone
The numbers are what drove the decision. EHS funding changes would have added $3.7 million to the city's costs in 2027, representing a 1.8 per cent tax increase. That figure was projected to climb to $4.2 million in 2028 and $4.6 million by 2029.
For a home assessed at $387,000, that works out to $182 in additional taxes over three years, on top of provincial education tax increases and other existing budget pressures.
"These costs will continue to escalate and we know that is not sustainable in the future," said Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Darrell Mathews.
Mayor: This Isn't About Walking Away From Integrated EMS
Mayor Blaine Hyggen was clear that the vote isn't a rejection of Lethbridge's integrated Fire and EMS model, which combines fire and ambulance services under one operational structure. The dispute is about one contract condition.
"It's only about the unachievable EHS contract condition we have been given," Hyggen said. "What Council would like to see is the opportunity to collaborate with our partners on options that could work for all parties."
Current Contract Ends September 30
Council also voted 7-2 against extending the current contract past its September 30, 2026 expiry. The city's position is that an extension would create more uncertainty for Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services rather than resolve anything.
EHS has said it will move to an open procurement process or take over EMS operations directly if the city won't absorb the added costs. The city says it will evaluate any proposal process and hasn't ruled out submitting a bid.
New EHS contracts could be in place as early as April 2027, leaving a multi-month gap between the current contract's end and a new arrangement taking effect.
SOURCES:
City of Lethbridge – May 13, 2026: https://lethbridge.ca/news/posts/city-does-not-accept-provincial-ems-contract-conditions
