By Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
Council for the County of Essex provided pre-approval of the 2026 Draft Budget for two additional ambulances to add to the Essex-Windsor EMS (EWEMS) fleet complement, at a cost of $586,870.
This adds to the 2026 order of seven ambulances approved back in November, bringing the total to nine units. The additional units are necessary to meet projected growth and ensure services levels remain consistent.
The funds for the two additional ambulances will be covered by the EMS Equipment and Vehicle Reserve, funded by the County and City based on weighted assessment at the time of contribution.
“This request is a direct response to enhancements identified in the 2025 ORH Master Plan refresh, which called for additional ambulance resources to address increased service demands and operational efficiencies,” Ziad Fatallah, EWEMS Deputy Chief, said.
Initially, a $173,961 deposit will come from EMS Equipment Reserve this year for the additional units, with the remaining balance due upon delivery in 2026.
Approval of this purchase will result in an increase in the 2026 EWEMS budget request to
partially restore the reserve, the Report to County Council notes.
Staffing and operational costs for the new vehicles will be addressed as part of 2026 Budge deliberations, along with other Master Plan recommendations, Fatallah added.
EWEMS currently has a fleet of 41 ambulances and 19 other emergency and logistics vehicles.
In answering LaSalle Deputy Mayor Mike Akpata’s question on if potential tariffs will impact cost of the EMS fleet, Fatallah noted EWEMS has not received any formal notification tariffs have been applied. The Paramedic Chiefs of Canada, he added, is actively lobbying the federal government to exempt ambulances and essential life-saving equipment from proposed counter-tariffs.
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