Seven Alberta communities have their own emergency services with provincial funding.

On March 13, Alberta told communities that funding for ambulance services would be reduced.

Each community must decide to keep or give up its ambulance service.

Spruce Grove decided not to fund its ambulance service. The city had an integrated service for 22 years.

The mayor said the decision was not easy. The city's emergency workers provided good care.

The province said cities must pay for growing health care costs to keep integrated services.

Spruce Grove expected to pay $1 million more each year. The city decided not to pay.

The city believes health care is a provincial responsibility, not a local one.

Leduc also decided to give up its integrated emergency service after 17 years.

Leduc's mayor said the decision may worry residents, but the city will still keep them safe.

When you call 911, dispatchers will still send help as needed.

Leduc's contract with Alberta Health Services ends on September 30. The city will work on a transition plan.

After the transition, Leduc's fire engines will still provide good medical care.

The decision will affect Leduc's fire department staff, but the impact will be lessened by a new fire hall.

Strathcona County voted to keep its integrated emergency service with a tax increase.

The county will still operate four ambulances with staff trained as firefighters and paramedics.

The new funding model will require a 0.73% tax increase in 2027, with more increases in the future.

Katherine Ludwig has more details.

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