Improved fire dispatch services are expected to come to Innisfail under a new contract with Red Deer Emergency Services.
Innisfail town council recently directed administration to negotiate a contract with Red Deer after its existing dispatch provider, Rocky Mountain Dispatch, announced services would be terminated soon.
Terry Welsh, director of community and protective services, said that Alberta Health Services had taken over ambulance dispatch and so it isn’t economically feasible for Rocky Mountain Dispatch any more.
Welsh said a cost increase would come with the switch to Red Deer.
“However, Red Deer’s dispatch services are state of the art,” said Welsh.
“Plus, there’s the proximity of it.”
Preliminary estimates show Innisfail paying $1.97 per person based on a population of just over 7,900, plus the fees generated by 911 call answering (37 cents per telephone line per month).
The current provider does not charge Innisfail more than the 911 fee collected from communication bills.
The per-capita fees through Red Deer would cost Innisfail just over $15,600 annually, so those dollars would have to come from the operating contingency in 2013.
Following negotiations, the contract would come to Innisfail town council for approval.