County of Stettler Issues Notice of Intent for Regional Fire Commission
The County of Stettler has taken the next step in restructuring its emergency services, authorizing formal notice to establish a new fire commission following an unwinding of its shared operations with the Town of Stettler.
At the Aug. 12 meeting, the county council directed administration to advertise a notice of motion to create the Heartland Regional Fire Commission.
The advertising period is a key step needed before partner municipalities can pass matching resolutions.
The proposed commission would create a governing body to oversee fire and rescue services across five central Alberta municipalities: the County of Stettler, the summer villages of Rochon Sands and White Sands, and the villages of Big Valley and Donalda.
Once all member councils pass matching resolutions, the applications will be submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs to formally incorporate the commission.
Under provincial regulations, advertising the intent to form a commission is procedural and does not bind participating municipalities.
Council documents presented during the meeting noted: “Until the bylaws are passed and the service agreements are approved, no municipality will be committed to staying with the commission.”
The partner municipalities are currently operating under an interim fire services agreement which guarantees regional coverage and fee structures through Dec. 31, 2026.
Separation of Town of Stettler & County of Stettler Fire Departments
The initiative follows the county’s withdrawal in 2025 from its long-standing shared fire agreement with the Town of Stettler.
Following the split, the county launched its own service, Heartland Regional Fire, which moved into a dedicated station on the east side of Stettler last October.
Financial settlements from the former joint operation were finalized earlier this year.
In February, the town council authorized paying the county $577,872 for its 26 percent share of building improvements at Station 1, alongside $205,498 for joint department equipment.
The municipalities also invoked a buy-sell “shotgun clause” over shared apparatus, resulting in the county selling its stake in primary rescue unit Rescue 14 to the town.
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
