Pipestone Flyer
Leduc County is setting $75,000 aside and hoping they won’t have to use it to develop more efficient emergency services in the area.
At the September 9 council meeting, General Manager of Community Services, Rick Thomas, said the Emergency Service Plan needs to be reviewed with the Edmonton International Airport and the City of Leduc. “With the development in the area, we believe this is necessary at this time,” said Thomas.
Mayor John Whaley said multiple reviews of the Emergency Service Plan have already been conducted, and wasn’t comfortable with putting more money forward. The County’s share of this review is budgeted for a maximum of $75,000, but they are hoping to receive a grant to cover the costs, said Thomas. Unfortunately, the grant would not be received until later and to move forward they need the money now.
“It seems like we’ve had proactive studies for years with no active,” agreed Division Seven Councillor Audrey Kelto. Division Three Councillor John Schonewille said previous reviews involving the City, County and EIA will be reviewed, but there are several new things coming forward that need to be looked at to see how they would be incorporated into an Emergency Service Plan.
“It’s imperative we do this, because we need to be efficient as the city, county and airport grow,” said County manager Brian Bowles. “It’s imperative we do this now as we have a great relationship with the City.”
The study will look at how to provide efficient, standardized emergency services around the region. “We need to go forward, the sooner the better,” said Schonewille.
After being reassured the County would likely receive a grant to cover the costs of the study, and that the City had already approved their share of the study, council agreed to the request for funds.