The County of Stettler has voted to formally establish the Heartland Regional Fire Commission alongside four partner municipalities.
During its Sept. 9 meeting, the county council passed a resolution to create the regional body.
All five participating municipalities: the County of Stettler, the villages of Big Valley and Donalda, and the summer villages of Rochon Sands and White Sands have passed matching resolutions following a mandatory public advertising period.
The documents will be forwarded to Alberta’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, who will issue a Ministerial Order to legally incorporate the commission.
Allan Gano was named interim chair of the inaugural board of directors, which also includes Janet Adam, Shaleah Fox, Dan Hiller, Wade Hunter, Elaine Macdonald, and Leona Thorogood.
County officials noted that the commission’s establishment does not create immediate operational costs, nor does it bind member municipalities to financial commitments.
A final cost-allocation formula, capital contributions and member service agreements will be developed by the board and returned to the councils for approval.
The regional initiative follows the county’s withdrawal in 2025 from its shared fire department with the Town of Stettler.
Following the split, the county launched its own department, Heartland Regional Fire, operating out of a new fire station on the east end of Stettler.
The five partner municipalities are currently covered under an interim fire services agreement through Dec. 31, 2026, allowing time for the new commission to finalize long-term funding models.
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
