Title
Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) Funding Request
Proposed Motion
That Council approve an additional $16,000 funding for STARS in 2026, to be funded from the Future Operating Restricted Surplus Account; for a total contribution of $41,000.
.Body
Administration
Council’s consideration of options for providing funding support to STARS in 2026.
Purpose
STARS has requested an increase in funding to support Parkland County residents in 2026.
Summary
STARS is a provincial service that provides, on average, 24 missions per year (physical and virtual support) to Parkland County. They operate 24 hours per day, seven days a week across Western Canada at no cost to the patient. Ninety-five percent (95%) of Alberta Municipalities partner with STARS. The province funds 41% of the STARS budget, while donations, fundraising, and lotteries make up the remaining 59%.
Currently, Parkland County has $25,000 allocated within the 2026 budget which is $0.77 per capita based on our 2021 Census Population of 32,205. STARS is currently requesting to increase Parkland County’s contribution per capital to $1.27 for a total cost of $41,000. Parkland County and TransAlta have a partnership for a STARS landing pad that is located just north of Hwy 16 on Range Road 41.
Council can consider future STARS funding increases for 2027 - $48,500, 2028 - $57,000 & 2029 - $65,000 as part of the Parkland County budget process.
Alternative Motions for Council Consideration
That Council maintain the current 2026 funding allocation of $25,000 for STARS, with no additional contribution at this time.
or
That Council approve a partial increase to the 2026 STARS funding allocation, in an amount to be determined by Council, to be funded from the Future Operating Restricted Surplus Account.
Historical Information:
February 24, 2026, STARS Presented information of services provided in the community.
December 2, 2025, Council approved funding for STARS in the amount of $25,000 to be included in the 2026 budget.
April 8, 2025, Council approved additional $11,000 funding for STARS to be funded from 2025 Future Operating Budget.
September 24, 2024, Council approved funding for STARS in the amount of $25,000 to be included in the 2025 budget.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Strategic Plan Pillar A, Complete Communities, We recognize the diversity of Parkland County’s communities, while fostering a united and shared vision for Parkland as a whole.
Financial Impact: $16,000
Source of Funding: Future Operating Restricted Surplus