Officials discuss moving ambulance to Ospringe location

by Chris Daponte

WELLINGTON CTY.

It is still very early in the process, but it appears the ambulance currently stationed at the Rockwood fire hall could be relocated to Ospringe.

Guelph-Eramosa councillor John Scott brought up the possible change at a meeting last week.

Mayor Chris White, also the county warden, explained officials with the Guelph-Wellington Emergency Medical Service (EMS) are considering the move as part of their efforts to ensure there are no coverage gaps in its catchment area.

“Nothing’s been decided yet,” White said, adding the move is under review by the city, which has jurisdiction over ambulance service in Guelph and the county.

Currently the ambulance stationed in Rockwood spends much of its time in Guelph, White explained.

If it is moved into directly into Erin or Hillsburgh, where councillors have been lobbying for improved service for years, it would spend just as much time outside the county because it could be responding to calls in Orangeville, Caledon and Halton and Peel Regions as part of the province’s “seamless” coverage requirement.

The thought, White said, is moving the ambulance to Ospringe would maximize coverage for Guelph-Eramosa and Erin without losing as much time to Guelph or other areas outside of Wellington.

Erin Mayor Lou Maieron offered little comment in an interview on Wednesday morning, although he was clearly aware of ongoing discussions about the move.

“It’s up to the city ... I don’t know where they are in their process,” Maieron said.

Acting EMS chief Stephen Dewar was unavailable for comment by press time.

May 18, 2012