By TERRY PUGH
A new Fire Services and Protection Agreement between the RM of Corman Park and five urban municipalities is expected to come into effect soon.
The agreement, which better reflects the actual costs associated with fire protection and improves operational procedures, must first be approved by the municipal councils of Corman Park, Warman, Martensville, Dalmeny, Osler and Langham.
The new agreement, currently under review by the municipalities, would replace an existing four-year deal first signed in 2018 and renewed in 2022. The existing agreement expired June 30, 2026, but was temporarily extended by three months in order for a new contract to be negotiated.
The new agreement, once signed by all parties, will come into effect retroactively as of July 1, 2026.
Warman City Council discussed the new agreement at its committee of the whole meeting on Monday, August 17. Councillors voted to approve the new agreement at a regular council meeting on Monday, August 24.
A city administration report to the August 17 City Council committee of the whole meeting noted the new agreement reflects the increased call volumes all five fire departments have responded to over the past decade. It also takes into account higher equipment costs, more extensive training requirements and stricter legislative compliance.
“The proposed agreement introduces a more sustainable and equitable funding model by recognizing both the ongoing costs associated with maintaining emergency response capacity and the direct costs of responding to incidents,” noted the administration report. “In addition to improving the funding model, the agreement modernizes governance, reporting requirements, operational provisions and accountability measures to better reflect today’s regional fire service environment.”
Under the new agreement, the RM of Corman Park will pay more for fire protection.
Rather than relying primarily on incident-based invoicing and a fixed annual capital contribution, the new agreement introduces an annual funding model consisting of three components, according to the administration report.
These components include: annual base funding of $100,000; an ‘operational readiness allocation’ of $500 per approved ‘Productive Call’ based on the previous year’s approved productive calls; and an annual payment of $5,000 to cover operational incidentals. The annual fee will also be tied to the provincial Consumer Price Index beginning January 1, 2028, ensuring funding keeps pace with inflation.
This annual funding is separate from ‘operating fees’ invoiced throughout the year for actual emergency responses. These operating fees are aimed at reimbursing municipalities for the direct costs associated with individual incidents based on agreed-upon rates.
Based on the 57 ‘productive calls’ Warman Fire Rescue responded to in 2025, the City of Warman would receive estimated annual funding of $133,500 under the new agreement.
The old agreement provided for a fixed annual contribution of $80,000 for capital costs, and $5,000 for operating costs. Operating fees invoiced throughout the year for actual emergency responses were separate.
In addition to updating the funding model, the agreement also improves annual reporting requirements regarding service levels, expenditures, staffing, equipment, reserves and future capital needs.
The five fire departments work collaboratively together to provide mutual aid under the North Corman Park Fire Chiefs Association umbrella.
The RM of Corman Park also has a separate fire services agreement with the Saskatoon Fire Department.