Residents of the Town of Bashaw are chipping in to support one of the largest and most successful emergency air services in Canada: STARS Air Ambulance. Town councillors passed a resolution at their Dec. 17 regular meeting to financially support STARS.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Theresa Fuller presented councillors with a letter from STARS Air Ambulance signed by representatives Mackenzie Wood and Glenda Farnden requesting Bashaw’s financial assistance. “Every second counts,” began the Dec. 11 STARS letter. “The first moments in a time-critical situation can be the difference between life and death. Last fiscal year STARS flew a total of 3,694 missions.

“Your residents have access to STARS wherever they may travel, work and play across western Canada.” The STARS letter noted the organization has six bases which each cost about $12.2 million each per year and while the Government of Alberta provides $15 million per year in funding, STARS also relies on support from fundraising, donors and the community.

The STARS spokesperson also pointed out the advanced life-saving equipment and resources available on their air ambulances, including the massive hemorrhage protocol that includes life-saving universal blood.

The letter noted that 95 per cent of rural municipalities financially support STARS and that those municipalities usually do so through a per-capita grant; the STARS letter noted the organization only requested $1 or $2 per capita, meaning a community like Bashaw with roughly 1,000 people would only be asked to pay $1,000 to $2,000 per year.

The representatives noted that STARS would be very grateful for a larger fixed amount of financial support, including a multi-year commitment which would assist STARS in developing its budget every year.

Coun. Kyle McIntosh noted that Bashaw residents doubtlessly value STARS and the Town of Bashaw may consider a decision down the road that may affect STARS. As well, McIntosh stated that STARS plays a very important role in the life of rural residents such as those who live in Bashaw; in critical situations, urgent care is likely located in major urban centres somewhat far from town. McIntosh suggested council consider including financial support for STARS in their 2026 budget.

As councillors discussed the STARS request it was noted that if Bashaw approved a four-year financial commitment it would give STARS more latitude for planning.

The CAO observed that a per capita charge of $1 to $2 wasn’t a significant amount within the entire Town of Bashaw budget.

Councillors unanimously approved financial support to STARS amounting to $1 per capita for four years.