KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
Local journalism initiative reporter
Total operating costs budgeted for Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services are expected to rise to $26,429,022 in 2026, up from the 2025 budget figure of $25,107,138.
Figures presented to SDG counties council show that salaries and benefits will increase from $19,723,808 to $21,083,228, for a hike of 6.89 percent. Revenues are expected to reach $20,779,574, up from $19,595,434, leaving a net operating cost of $5,649,448, an increase of 2.5 percent from 2025. Federal and provincial grants are forecast to be $12,475,592, up from $11,509,593 while other municipalities are expected to pay $8,212,665, up from $7,981,195.
There are ambulance stations in Alexandria, Avonmore, Lancaster, Long Sault, Morrisburg and Winchester with the headquarters in Cornwall.
The Cornwall base is operating over capacity and requires an expansion, which will be jointly funded through a reserve for $152,000 and through development charges of just over $97,000. The expansion costs will be recovered through funding from the Ministry of Health.
In 2026, $795,000 will go towards the purchase of three new ambulances with delivery expected in 2027. Three Power Load Systems will be acquired. These devices lift stretchers into ambulances, relieving paramedics from having to do the lifting and reducing injuries. The cost is $120,000.
Stair chairs help with transport of patients where there are stairs. In 2026, thirteen Stair Chairs need to be replaced at a cost of $72,000.
Also in 2026, three power cots will be replaced at a cost of $105,000. Six cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) devices at a cost of $135,000, will be replaced in 2026. Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs)will be replaced at a cost of $20,000.
The services have 12 ambulances on duty during daytime hours and eight ambulances on call during the night. The 100 paramedics respond to an average of 55 calls per day, totalling over 1,600 calls per month.
L’article Paramedic budget increases to $26 million est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
