St. Paul county council has approved a standing motion to provide $14,000 annually to STARS Air Ambulance, ensuring continued support for the emergency medical service.
During the regular council meeting on March 11, council decided to continue its yearly contribution to STARTS, matching what the county has given in the past. This funding will stay in place unless council choose to revoke the decision in the future.
Councillor Darrell Younghans, who brought forward the motion, and Reeve Glen Ockerman agreed that after years of partnership with STARS, it was time for the county to demonstrate a long-term commitment.
During the meting, STARS Central Alberta Municipal Relations Liaison Shannon Paquette provided an update, noting that STARS transported 44 county residents in 2024 alone. Across Western Canada, the service completed 3,927 missions last year.
Since 2010, a total of 172 county residents have been flown by STARS, with 61 of them being picked up outside the county’s boundaries, including other provinces.
“It’s a reminder that accident and illness do not happen just close to home, and that wherever your residents travel across Western Canada, we’re there for them,” Paquette said.
Between 2020 and 2024, STARS saw a 30 to 40 percent increase in mission volume within the county, flying 227 county residents during that period, compared to 190 between 2015 and 2019.
STARS services are provided free of charge to patients. The organization relies on fundraising, lotteries, and donations for over 50 percent of its $35 million annual operational costs, with the Government of Alberta contributing $15 million.
On behalf of the council, Reeve Ockerman expressed gratitude for STARS’ life-saving work. “I hope this council continues the support in the future,” he said.
