The County of Stettler has agreed to sell its share of Rescue 14 to the Town of Stettler.
The two municipalities have been working through the division of jointly-held fire equipment from the Stettler Regional Fire Department.
The former joint fire-services agreement included a buy-sell mechanism, also known as a shotgun clause, that lets one partner set a price for shared equipment.
The other party must either sell its share at that price, or purchase the offeror’s stake on the same terms.
County council initially rejected the Town’s offer to purchase Rescue 14 during the Oct. 8 meeting just before the municipal elections.
The new council reversed course just over a month later, voting on Nov. 12 to sell its stake to the Town after a lengthy discussion “in-camera.”
At its Nov. 26 meeting, the County council reviewed the next steps for its Heartland Regional Fire Department.
Council voted to direct administration to begin drafting specifications for a replacement rescue truck.
The County also requested a delay in the transfer of Rescue 14 until Heartland Regional Fire has outfitted a substitute unit, or until Dec. 31, 2025, whichever comes first.
Administration noted a 2001 Freightliner FL60 Fire/Medic unit will act as a backup rescue truck in the meantime.
The County purchased the used vehicle in 2023, with council approving $60,000 for equipment for the vehicle at its July 9, 2025 meeting.
Heartland Regional Fire has begun installing the required tools, which administration says should largely be transferable to a new rescue vehicle.
County staff estimate a new rescue truck would cost between $600,000 & $800,000, with up to a year for expected delivery.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
