By Sheldon Spackman

model for intermunicipal cooperation

City of Lacombe, Lacombe County sign new Fire Services Agreement

Aug 31, 2023 | 4:32 PM

The City of Lacombe and Lacombe County have signed a new Fire Services Agreement after an extensive collaborative effort starting in 2020.

City officials say the new agreement began with the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) process, culminating in the review of all previous Fire Service Agreements. These discussions resulted in a transition to a fee‐for‐service model included in the new agreement.

“The City and our friends at Lacombe County have a long history of finding mutually beneficial solutions through collaborative means,” Mayor Grant Creasey said. “This agreement will help ensure the longevity of our respective fire departments while also ensuring fire services are delivered efficiently, effectively and economically.”

“This agreement is the culmination of nearly three years of work towards finding a suitable and equitable way to fund fire services in the Lacombe District,” said Reeve Barb Shepherd. “The safety and well-being of our communities has guided us throughout this process, and the joint efforts from both municipalities have yielded a framework that will serve as a model for intermunicipal cooperation.”

Overall, the Agreement establishes the terms under which the City will provide contract fire services in a County response area, and includes resource allocation, costs, insurance, dispute resolution, and termination conditions.

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On July 25, 2023, the ICF Committee convened to assess the drafted Agreement, aiming to establish a Fire Services delivery framework for the City to the County. The Agreement, which includes definitions, roles, fees, conflict resolution, and termination provisions, received final approval from both Lacombe County and City of Lacombe councils.

“The Lacombe Fire Department has always provided high-quality services to both the City of Lacombe and Lacombe County, and this agreement will see them continuing to do so well into the future,” said Drayton Bussiere, Lacombe County Fire Chief.

“Knowing that help is on the way is what our residents expect from their fire departments,” Lacombe Fire Department Fire Chief Jason Fleming said. “This agreement solidifies our long-standing positive relationship with Lacombe County and strengthens our ability to respond during emergency situations.”

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