Aerial Fire Truck - Debenture Info

At the February 4, 2025, meeting, Council gave first reading to Aerial Fire Truck Debenture Bylaw No. 2321. This Bylaw would allow for the borrowing of a maximum of $2,750,000 with a maximum interest rate of 6% and a maximum term of 20 years for the capital purchase of an Aerial Fire Truck in 2025.

Why does the Town of Edson need a new truck?

Engine 604 is reaching the end of its lifespan as a frontline fire apparatus. Fire Protection Association (NFPA)1900 (2024, Annex F-F.1) recommends placing apparatus older than 15 years into a reserve status, and older than 25 years into retirement. 604 has now been in service for 19 years. A direct replacement of 604 was estimated at $1.1 million to $2 million.

With this in mind, an aerial truck (commonly known as a ladder truck) was recommended and approved as a replacement in the 2025 budget.

Why an Aerial Truck?

An aerial truck would provide a higher service level for our community with additional capabilities for increased life safety and property protection. An aerial has greater effectiveness for fire suppression, providing vertical access for both firefighting and rescue operations.

This would also enhance Edson’s Fire underwriters Survey (FUS) rating, by improving the town's ability to respond to low-rise fires and large commercial incidents.

With the growing number of large buildings, both in height and overall size, having this extra capability is a growing need in our community. Some examples of such facilities include Weyerhaeuser, Walmart, Parkland Lodge, Schools, and larger apartment buildings. This also greatly impacts fire suppression operations in standard single-family homes as well.

Costs

The Town of Edson is aware of the “sticker shock” of a number like $2.75 million.  This is a substantial purchase for our community. A debenture was chosen by Council as a way to spread the debt payments over several years, giving generational ownership of this purchase as opposed to the bulk sum being fronted by current residents only.  

It should also be noted, that while $2.75 million is the number requested in the bylaw, this is the maximum amount being considered. As Council and Administration go through the 2026 budget process, all efforts will be made to find efficiencies to bring that amount to be borrowed down. Grants and other funding will also be explored as we look to keep this as affordable as possible for our residents.

How is this being advertised?

A notice of the Bylaw will go in the newspaper for 2 consecutive weeks starting February 10 through to February 23. Following this, electors have 15 days to file a petition against the Bylaw.

More information regarding the petition process can be found here: https://www.alberta.ca/petition-information-for-electors.