City Council will consider budget options that may see an expanded scope for an already planned 2026 Emergency Services operational review during the upcoming budget week, which starts December 8. This direction follows an update on Emergency Services shared at today’s regular Council meeting.
The operational review was already scheduled for 2026 as The City typically completes these reviews every five to seven years. The last operational review was completed in 2017.
“Today’s resolution is an important step in ensuring Council has the information it needs to make sound budget decisions. As we look ahead to budget week, the options report will help Council determine what scope and budget to allocate to the third-party 2026 operational review, potentially expanding the scope, so we can continue to set service levels that are sustainable, responsible, and in the best interest of our community,” said Mayor Cindy Jefferies.
The report being brought forward by administration will outline what an expanded third-party review could include, along with estimated costs. The review currently focuses on Emergency Services operations as a whole, such as system capacity, decision-making processes, and current service levels across fire and ambulance operations. It is about an overall look at how Emergency Services functions and where improvements can be made.
“Our goal is to ensure Red Deer’s Emergency Services remain strong, sustainable, and able to meet the needs of our community today and into the future. By continuing to engage staff directly and taking a comprehensive look at our operations, we can support Council in making informed, long-term decisions,” said Tara Lodewyk, City Manager. “It is also important to consider these decisions in context of the the budget as a whole.”
The City will continue to provide updates as this work moves forward.
November 24, 2025 7:00 PM
(Red Deer, Alberta)- end -