Prince Edward County has narrowly passed a motion that would approve funding for expanded ambulance service in 2023.
The approval allows $436,643 to be utilized from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve to fund the enhanced service.
This would include allowing the two ambulances under operation from Picton to run 24 hours a day.
Previously, two ambulances would operate during the day with one operating overnight. If needed, other ambulances from Belleville or Quinte West would respond to the call.
According to a presentation from Chief of Hastings Quinte Paramedic Services Carl Bowker on March 16, there has been a 42% increase in call volume since 2007.
When it comes to response from overnight calls, Bowker says 40% of the calls in Prince Edward County are being responded to by ambulances in Belleville or Quinte West.
Seven councillors voted yes to approving the motion.
Councillors who voted yes included John Hirsch, Sam Branderhorst, Kate MacNaughton, David Harrison, Chris Braney, Bill Roberts and Sam Grosso.
Councillor Janice Maynard was not in attendance.
As part of the motion, Chief Bowker will be tasked with presenting data to council before the County’s 2024 budget meeting on the utilization of Prince Edward County’s land ambulance service.
