York Region is making significant strides in enhancing its emergency response system, thanks to a $6 million provincial grant that will enable the hiring of 30 full-time paramedics and the addition of two ambulances. This funding will help meet the growing demand for emergency services as the region expands and its population ages.
Provincial Funding Exceeds Average with 11% Increase
At an October 4 press conference held at York Region's headquarters in Newmarket, Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy proudly announced the province's increase in land ambulance funding by 11%, which brings the total provincial investment in the region to over $56 million this year.
“In York Region, we are increasing land ambulance funding by 11%, bringing the province’s total investment to more than $56 million this year,” said Gallagher Murphy. “This increase is above the provincial average of 8%, and I’m very proud of that.”
The $6 million funding will be used to strengthen the paramedic services by expanding personnel and acquiring much-needed ambulances.
Deployment of New Resources Across York Region
Chris Spearen, the acting general manager of paramedic and senior services for York Region, outlined the specific allocation of these new resources. The two new ambulances will be distributed strategically across the region, with one stationed at Keele Street and Rutherford Road and another serving the northern part of York Region.
In addition to the new ambulances, the funding will facilitate the hiring of 30 full-time paramedics. Currently, the region employs around 650 paramedics, 550 of whom are full-time. This influx of staff will help ensure the region meets its response time targets and continues to provide high-quality emergency care.
Spearen emphasized the critical role the new funding will play in maintaining service standards: “The announcement is about ensuring we have the necessary resources to meet response times and serve the community effectively. This funding will allow us to put more ambulances and paramedics on the road as York Region grows.”
Impact on Community Health and Safety
Georgina Mayor Margaret Quirk highlighted the importance of the provincial investment, calling it a “critical investment in the health and well-being of our community.” She praised the paramedics' lifesaving work, noting their essential role during emergencies.
“As we all know, paramedics are the backbone of our emergency response system,” Quirk said. “They save lives by providing critical care at the scene, often making the difference between life and death.”
Reducing Hospital Offload Delays
In addition to funding for ambulances and paramedics, the province is also increasing support for the Dedicated Offload Nurses program by 14%, bringing the total investment to over $2.7 million. This initiative will help hire more nurses and other healthcare professionals to assist with offloading patients in emergency departments, allowing paramedics to return to the field more quickly.
Gallagher Murphy noted the program’s success in reducing ambulance offload times, which has had a direct impact on improving ambulance availability for emergency calls across York Region and the province.
“This program has significantly reduced ambulance offload times, allowing paramedics to get back out into the community faster to respond to their next 911 call,” she stated.
A Stronger Emergency Response System for York Region
This new investment in York Region's emergency services reflects the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring that communities have the resources they need to respond swiftly to medical emergencies. With more paramedics and ambulances on the road, residents of York Region can feel confident that high-quality emergency care will be available when it’s needed most.