Over the past few weeks, many residents have reached out with questions and concerns about ambulance services in Leduc. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts. We’ve heard you, and we understand how important this issue is to our community.
To help provide clarity, I’d like to answer some of the most common questions we’ve received.
Is ambulance service in Leduc being reduced or removed?
No. Ambulance service in Leduc is not going away. The Province’s Emergency Health Services (EHS) system will continue to provide ambulance coverage in our area. If you call 911 and need an ambulance, one will be dispatched and will arrive just as it does today.
Don’t the ambulances operated by the City of Leduc only serve Leduc?
No. Ambulance services operate through a province wide “borderless” system. Ambulances are dispatched across the region—not just within city limits. Today, ambulances from other regions respond to calls in Leduc (36% of calls), and ambulances stationed in Leduc respond to calls outside the city (41%). Ambulance services are provided by the Province of Alberta, in some cases through contracts with municipalities.
What exactly is changing?
The City’s role is changing. The City of Leduc will no longer operate ambulances on behalf of the Province once the current contract ends in September 2026.
Will there still be ambulances based in Leduc?
Right now, EHS has committed to stationing two 24 hour advanced life support ambulances in Leduc. This is the same level of service currently provided today.
Why did the City decide to transition away from the contract with the province to provide ambulance service?
The decision came down to long-term financial sustainability. The proposed new provincial contract would have cut $1 million annually in funding to the City. This would mean a property tax increase of 1.22% in 2027 to support an ambulance service that spends 41% of its time outside Leduc, and increases in years to come to maintain the same service levels.
Will there be paramedics on Leduc fire trucks?
Yes. Every fire engine will include at least one skilled paramedic who can begin providing lifesaving care while an ambulance is on the way.
I understand that change can create uncertainty, especially when it involves essential services. This transition is primarily a shift in who provides the ambulance service within the same provincial system.
I am continuing to communicate with the province, with mayors from other cities in a similar position to Leduc, to advocate for a change in their decision. And while we await a response from the Government of Alberta, we’re committed to updating residents with information as we receive it.
Thank you again to everyone who has reached out, asked questions, and shared their perspectives. These conversations help ensure we move forward with clarity and understanding, while continuing to keep the safety and well being of our community at the forefront.
Mayor Lars Hansen
