May 28, 2015
PARKLAND COUNTY – Alberta Health Services’ Emergency Medical Services (AHS EMS) paramedics have a new station to call home in Stony Plain.
A 14,000-sq.-ft. EMS station, located at 3000 48 St., opens today and will serve growing communities west of Edmonton.
“The new facility provides an essential hub for EMS crews to start and end their shifts, restock ambulances, and attend important training and meetings, without drawing them away from the Parkland County area,” says Dale Weiss, executive director of Edmonton Zone EMS. “That allows us to continue to provide local residents with the care they need quickly in times of emergencies.”
The 10-bay ambulance station is located near main roads at the corner of Wood Ave. and Hwy. 779, and includes a training classroom and an administration area. EMS previously operated out of the county’s public works building.
Parkland County and the Town of Stony Plain partnered in the construction of the $6.7-million facility. In a unique agreement, the municipalities own the building constructed on lands leased from Alberta transportation and leased to AHS for 20 years.
“All the parties involved with this project recognized its benefits and value. Without their commitment and hard work, this facility would not have been realized,” says Parkland County Mayor Rod Shaigec. “This is a tremendous example of regional co-operation and collaboration, and I am proud of Parkland County’s leadership on this endeavour.”
The grand opening is being celebrated today during an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and a public open house, in conjunction with National Paramedic Services Week, May 24-30. The week honours the men and women who provide this vital public service, and offers an opportunity to better understand the importance of EMS within our health care system and our communities.
Parkland County is a rural municipality located immediately west of Edmonton. Covering an area of 242,595 hectares (599,500 acres), it is one of the largest in size and one of the highest populated of all rural municipalities in Alberta. Parkland County has grown to a community of over 30,000 people and has seen generations of families continue to enjoy country living.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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