(Supplied/Town of Stettler)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

going different directions, for now

Town of Stettler to establish independent fire department, County doubts savings estimates

Jul 23, 2025 | 4:17 PM

The Town of Stettler and County of Stettler have formally parted ways on fire services.

In a news release Wednesday, the town says it is moving forward with independent fire services, instead of joining the county’s endeavour.

This follows the County of Stettler’s decision in May to withdraw from the prior regional fire agreement and form its own fire commission.

A Town of Stettler Fire Department will now be established.

“When looking at a commission model, it removes control and decisions over our assets and infrastructure, and this is not the right move for the Town of Stettler going forward,” says Mayor Sean Nolls.

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“Retaining control of our equipment, we can reduce costs, and ensure we have the right equipment to respond to emergencies that are unique to our needs. This will give us the ability to make decisions that save Stettlerites money today, and in the future.”

The town adds that while the county has questioned the viability of municipal autonomy within a regional model, the town’s opinion is that decades of success in the previous regional model have proven otherwise.

A review of the town’s 2025 fire services operating budget indicates a projected savings of over $41,000 this year.

The town anticipates even greater cost efficiencies in the years to come with substantial savings in capital costs, upwards of $2.5 million by 2031.

On the county side, Reeve Larry Clarke indeed has a difference of opinion.

“We respectfully disagree with the town that this will save taxpayers money. There are short-term reductions in capital, but when we look at being able to utilize equipment, it will require duplication, and some will have to be replaced I don’t see how they will make those savings.”

Clarke couldn’t put a dollar figure on it, but he does say the county will, if necessary, utilize reserves to limit the financial damage against taxpayers.

He also laments that the pool of area firefighters will now be split between two departments.

“To make it short and simple, residents are well-protected now and they’ll continue to be well-protected. In no way do I want anyone in the communities we serve to feel jeopardized,” he says.

“Through mutual aid, I don’t care if you’re urban or rural, we’ve all got friends, coworkers, family who could live in either, and everyone will be protected.”

Those communities include Big Valley, Donalda and Byemoor, as well as several smaller locales like Rochon Sands near Buffalo Lake.

“The door will always be open for the town to join the commission. We continue to meet without neighbouring municipalities and have received support for the commission approach,” Clarke adds.

“I would love to say no that we won’t be down firefighters, but I think we’ll probably have to do some recruitment.”