The Town of Stettler is forging ahead with its own fire service following the end of a decades-long partnership with the County of Stettler.

At its July 22 regular council meeting, council reviewed a detailed report on the fire services transition, including operational changes and the 2025 budget impact.

The split comes after the County served notice it was exiting the joint agreement to create its own fire commission. The longstanding regional model — which began in 1981 — saw shared ownership of Station 1 and collaborative fire protection for multiple municipalities.

“Throughout the course of this agreement, we saw many successes,” said Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Leann Graham.

The partnership evolved over time, creating a regional fire service with shared staffing and responsibilities. A Regional Fire Chief position was established in 2005, and the agreement was formalized in 2013. However, rising call volumes and staffing demands created strain. By 2021, annual call hours topped 4,000, placing significant pressure on the small full-time team.

A revised agreement in 2023 brought operational changes and added a Regional Manager, but tensions persisted. In March 2025, the Regional Manager resigned, citing “an unsustainable structure and lack of unified direction.” The Town presented a transition plan, but the County rejected it and formally ended the partnership.

The Town has expressed concern that such a model will remove local control over its fire assets and operations, stating its service needs differ from those of the County and regional villages. The County, meanwhile, argues a fully autonomous Town service is incompatible with a regional model.

The split ends more than 40 years of shared fire service delivery, with both municipalities now preparing for separate paths forward.

Fire budget

Despite the split, the Town expects a net savings of just over $41,000 in its 2025 fire services budget. The administration also plans to conduct a broader departmental review during the 2026 budget cycle.

Some revenue loss is expected due to reduced responses to highway motor vehicle incidents, which previously brought in funding through shared use of Rescue 14.

The Town is evaluating its inventory of personal protective equipment (PPE), with options including purchasing new gear, acquiring the County’s share, or selling surplus. A new set of bunker gear currently costs nearly $7,000. Council will receive a formal recommendation once needs are assessed.

The Town is also preparing to buy out the County’s 26 per cent stake in Station 1. While the purchase will impact short-term capital spending, officials expect long-term savings, particularly with the cancellation of a planned station expansion. That project, now unnecessary, was projected to cost $1.2 million in 2027.

Administration is reviewing the replacement of Engine 13 and exploring whether it can serve as a dual-purpose pumper and rescue unit. If so, the Town may no longer need to replace Rescue 14 in 2031, potentially saving $1.28 million.

A transition plan dated June 9 outlines updates to bylaws, budgets and operations to support the move to an independent municipal fire department.

Joint assets, including vehicles and equipment, are being reviewed. A reserve account tied to Rescue 14 currently holds $302,461.36. Discussions are ongoing with the County regarding final asset division and reserve distribution.

An interim agreement is expected as both municipalities move forward with separate fire services.