Lethbridge's Integrated Fire Service Faces Shutdown

0:00It's May 2nd. From your city to your ears, this is Canada News Today, powered by AI. Lethbridge, Alberta, has run an integrated fire and paramedic service for 114 years, but it's now on the brink of ending. Provincial changes from emergency health services, Alberta, are forcing the city to decide whether to keep it or switch models. This week, city council voted 5-4 to reject the province's conditions, pushing the service one step closer to shutdown by later this year. The current contract wraps up in September, and city officials warrant costs could jump right away if they stick with integration. They're projecting a $2.7 million cut from the province, ballooning to $3.7 million by 2027. That would mean a 1.8% tax hike, just to cover it. Mayor Blaine Hagen called it a tough call with sleepless nights, blaming the burden on taxpayers. Firefighter Union head Britt Nunnweller, pushback hard, saying the real hit is a net 1.3% tax rise about $10 a month, protect lives.

1:03Even if they drop the model, some cost linger, and the union fears fewer ambulances and less trained staff on scene. Provincial says services stay the same either way, through bids or new partners. Council meets May 5th for more talk, but they've got till months end to notify the province. Lives hang in the balance as this classic setup fights for survival.