Title
Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) Funding Request
Proposed Motion
That Council approve an additional $11,000 for STARS, to be funded from the 2025 Future Operating budget.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion to add $11,000 to the STARS funding, for a total contribution of $36,000.00 in 2025.
Purpose
STARS has requested an increase in funding to support Parkland County residents in 2025.
Summary
STARS attended Parkland County’s April 1, 2025, Governance and Priorities Committee meeting to inform Council of the services provided within our community.
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-four percent (94%) of Alberta Municipalities partner with STARS. The province funds 44% of the STARS budget, while donations, fundraising, and lotteries make up the remaining 56%.
Currently, Parkland County has $25,000 allocated within the 2025 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 $1.11 for a total cost of $36,000. Parkland County and TransAlta have a partnership for a STARS landing pad that is located just north of Hwy 16 on Rge Rd 41.
Council will consider future STARS funding increases for 2026-2028 as part of the Parkland County budget process.
Historical Information:
April 1, 2025, STARS presented information of services provided in our community.
September 24, 2024, Council approved funding for STARS in the amount of $25,000 to be included in the 2025 budget.
April 2, 2024, STARS presented information of services provided in our community.
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: $11,000
Source of Funding: Future Operating Budget