(Town of Stettler)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

gaps in service will be avoided

Joint Stettler fire services to separate after more than 10 years

Apr 11, 2023 | 12:27 PM

The Town of Stettler will be transitioning its fire services away from a joint relationship with the surrounding County of Stettler.

Preliminary discussions have been held to ensure there is a smooth transition period as the fire departments undergo this change.

The joint department has existed for more than a decade.

“We are disappointed with the Town of Stettler’s decision to terminate the agreement, however each council must make decisions based on their community’s needs. Moving forward, we respect the Town and County have different priorities,” says Larry Clarke, Reeve, County of Stettler.

“We remain committed to working towards a smooth transition away from a joint fire service, which will include positive outcomes for our region and community.”

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The County says it is researching options for a centralized County Fire Station to support its three rural locations with volunteers in Big Valley, Donalda and Byemoor.

They add thanks to Stettler Regional Fire Chief Mark Dennis, and Deputy Chief Etienne Brugman for their service and leadership of the joint regional fire department.

Meantime, the Town, whose council made this decision unanimously at its meeting on April 4, says it looks forward to collaborating with the County of Stettler to create a transition plan which strengthens fire services.

“We have recognized that the fire service needs of our community have evolved since the original Regional Fire Agreement was signed in 2005, and that there are fundamental differences in the needs of an urban community versus rural,” says Stettler Mayor Sean Nolls.

“We believe that moving in this direction is the best way to strengthen relationships with our community partners and offer the strongest level of fire services to residents.”

The priority throughout this adjustment, the Town adds, is to create a sustainable plan that respects the unique jurisdictional needs of all involved communities while ensuring that there are no gaps in the high level of fire services that town and county residents rely on.

During a mutually agreed upon timeframe, the Town of Stettler will continue to support the County of Stettler through the operation of Fire Station #1 with joint funding.

This maintenance of service will safeguard seamless fire services for Town and County residents throughout a reasonable and responsible period of transition, the Town states.