“Community paramedicine is no longer a pilot, it is an established healthcare program, making a real difference in people’s lives.” Thank you @SylviaJonesMPP for helping kick off our 2026 CP Expo & for your continued support of community paramedicine in Ontario #OCPKEE

OTTAWA COUNCILLOR SUPPORTS NEW PARAMEDIC HQ IN BARRHAVEN The City of Ottawa is taking the next step toward a new headquarters for its paramedic service in Barrhaven. In a report to the city's finance and corporate services committee, staff say the Ottawa Paramedic Service's current headquarters on Don Reid Drive near Heron and Walkley roads is operating well beyond its original capacity and can no longer safely support operations. That facility, built in 2005, was originally designed for 330 staff, plus 80 ambulances and other emergency response vehicles. Currently, more than 900 staff and 160 vehicles operate out of the building. Staff attribute that dramatic growth to Ottawa's aging population, a rise in 911 calls and the expanding medical responsibilities of paramedics. "Ottawa is just growing gangbusters," said Barrhaven West Coun. David Hill, whose ward would host the new facility. "Lots of new houses, new residents out here, new needs from a paramedic supports perspective." While there are 19 posts around the city where paramedics can rest and eat meals, all shifts start at the headquarters on Don Reid Drive. Staff say that facility can't be expanded, and leasing additional space is not being considered as a long-term solution. The property under consideration for a new facility is at 4061 Strandherd Dr., near Highway 416. According to the report, that location would improve resource deployment to Ottawa’s fast-growing suburbs, especially to Ottawa's south and west. "I think Barrhaven has the perfect parcel of land that provides the size, the proximity to the highways," Hill said. Hill cited a series of "level zero" incidents in recent years, when there weren't enough ambulances available to respond to emergency calls. Hill noted Ottawa has made gains toward rectifying that problem through new investment and updated policies, but said additional improvements are always welcome. "We want to make sure that that experience is as good as it possibly can be, and that the city is there to support its residents when they need the most," he said. Staff are recommending a public-private partnership where the private partner would be responsible for designing, building, financing and maintaining the facility over a 30-year term. Under such a model, the city would make fixed annual payments rather than paying the full construction cost up front. According to the report, council has approved $4 million toward the early stages of the project, with the final cost yet to be determined. The finance and corporate services committee will consider the recommendations on Tuesday. By: Cameron Mahler CBC News

CITY OF OTTAWA ADVANCES $185.6M P3 (PUBLIC-PRIVATE-PARTNERSHIP) PARAMEDIC FACILITY The City of Ottawa’s finance and corporate services committee has endorsed a public-private partnership (P3) to design, build, finance and maintain a new West Deployment Facility for the Ottawa Paramedic Service, clearing the path for a massive infrastructure project slated to begin construction in 2027. At a meeting on Tuesday (Feb. 3), the committee approved the design-build-finance-maintain (DBFM) model for the new headquarters at 4061 Strandherd Dr. The recommendation now goes to council for final approval on Feb. 11. The project aims to address critical overcrowding at the service’s current headquarters on Don Reid Drive, which was built in 2005 for 330 staff and 80 vehicles. The service has since grown to more than 900 staff and 160 vehicles, forcing operations into a facility that staff say can no longer safely support the volume of emergency response required by the growing capital. According to a business case prepared by Ernst & Young (EY), the project has an estimated capital value of $185.6 million (Class D estimate). The proposed timeline sets a financial close date of June 1, 2027, with construction expected to begin a month later. The target for substantial completion is Sept. 30, 2030, allowing operations to commence in October of that year. The new facility will function as a second “hub” in the service’s hub-and-spoke deployment model. Functional requirements include indoor climate-controlled vehicle storage, Level III disinfection and decontamination areas, medical supply stores, paramedic briefing rooms, and a mechanic bay for light vehicle repairs. The site will also feature high-efficiency HVAC systems and be built to post-disaster seismic standards. City staff and consultants recommended the DBFM model over traditional Design-Bid-Build (DBB) or Design-Build (DB) options following a comprehensive value-for-money analysis. The analysis found that the DBFM model could deliver a potential value-for-money savings of 22.6 per cent, equating to approximately $52.1 million in net present value, compared to the traditional DBB model. “The positive VFM benefit of the DBFM model is attributed to potential efficiencies in consolidation of scope for design, construction and maintenance under a single contract… as well as significant risk transfer to the contracted partner,” the staff report states. Under this model, the private sector partner assumes risks related to design, construction, financing, and long-term maintenance. The city will make fixed payments over a 30-year term, similar to a “capital lease” arrangement. Crucially, this structure allows the city to maximize provincial funding. The Land Ambulance Service Grant (LASG) reimburses 50 per cent of eligible costs. Under a DBFM model, interest expenses and amortization included in the lease payments are eligible for this grant, whereas they might not be under traditional financing methods. A market sounding process conducted by EY revealed strong industry interest in the project. Seven major organizations participated in interviews, including heavy hitters such as PCL, EllisDon, Bird Construction, Aecon, and Chandos Construction. While some participants expressed a preference for a Design-Build model to avoid financing costs, those interested in the DBFM approach noted it allows for “greater efficiency and alignment of project scope elements in combining design, construction and maintenance activities,” according to the business case. Participants indicated that a lead time of approximately six months would be required to form consortia and prepare responses for the procurement process. If the city council approves the recommendations on Feb. 11, city staff will proceed with developing a procurement strategy. The city has already approved $4 million in capital funding to cover pre-construction activities, including design requirements and engineering services. The city intends to return to council for approval at key milestones, including the procurement strategy, the selection of a preferred partner, and the finalization of the project agreement. By: Mark Buckshon Ontario Construction News

Glorious day for my daughter’s wedding in Canmore. So happy for the lovely couple.

Happy Canada Day ! The best country in the world.

Ontario is honouring seven paramedics from across the province with the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery. The medal is given to #paramedics who have demonstrated great courage, risking their lives to save the lives of others. Learn about these heroes: news.ontario.ca/en/release/1…

Thank you for all that you do, from all of us @CACP_ACCP Nous vous remercions tous pour tout ce que vous faites. paramedicchiefs.ca/paramedic…

Aujourd’hui, le drapeau du Service paramédic d’Ottawa flotte fièrement à l’Hôtel de Ville d’Ottawa suivant la proclamation de la semaine des services paramédics par le Maire Mark Sutcliffe.

Today, the flag of the Ottawa Paramedic Service is proudly flying at City Hall following the proclamation of #ParamedicServicesWeek by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.

Bonne Semaine des services paramédics! Cette semaine, nous rendons hommage aux paramédics et aux personnes dévouées qui soutiennent leur travail. Ensemble, nous prenons soin de tous les membres de notre communauté et pouvons faire une différence. Merci tout ce que vous faites!

Happy Paramedic Services Week! This week we recognize paramedics and the dedicated individuals that support their works at dispatch, logistics, administration and many more. Together, we care for everyone in our community and can make a real difference. Thank you for all you do!

Paramedic Services Week is here, this week we celebrate our #YorkParamedics and #paramedics across Canada🚑 This year’s theme, “We Care. For Everyone.” highlights their commitment to serving our community with excellence. #PSWeek2025 #WeCareForEveryone 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕

Today on First Responders Day, we honour the brave women and men who selflessly dedicate their lives to protecting Ontario. To all our first responders, thank you for your service.

Today is a moment to acknowledge the people who show up when it matters most. First responders walk into uncertainty every day—not for praise, but because someone has to. They steady the chaos, carry the weight, and keep going, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. We don’t always see the strain. But we benefit from their strength, their skill, and their commitment in ways we often take for granted. To every first responder out there: we see you. We respect what you do. And we’re better, safer, and stronger because of you. - Aujourd’hui, on prend un moment pour souligner ceux et celles qui répondent présents quand ça compte le plus. Les premiers répondants font face à l’inconnu chaque jour — pas pour les honneurs, mais parce que quelqu’un doit le faire. Ils apaisent le chaos, portent le fardeau et continuent d’avancer, même quand c’est difficile. Surtout quand c’est difficile. On ne voit pas toujours les impacts. Mais on profite tous de leur force, de leur compétences et de leur dévouement, souvent sans même s’en rendre compte. À tous les premiers répondants : on vous voit. On respecte ce que vous faites. Et c’est grâce à vous qu’on est plus forts, plus en sécurité, et mieux préparés. @OttFire @OttawaParamedic @OttawaPolice

May 1 is #FirstRespondersDay. Thank you to all our courageous #FirstResponders, including paramedics, firefighters, police officers, and ambulance communication officers, for your dedication to keeping communities safe!

May 1 is National First Responders Day Huge shoutout to first responders, including firefighters, paramedics, & police officers who protect & preserve life, property & the environment during emergencies. We are grateful for your service @OttFire @OttawaParamedic @OttawaPolice

RT @OttawaPolice: Ottawa Police and @OttawaParamedic teamed up for joint training to stay prepared. ⛸️ Reminder: with warmer weather, the…

WOW. Watch this. 🤯

Yeah. If you’re Canadian you need to watch this. (Full credit to Average Joes and and Jeff Douglas) #abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli

US president, Ronald Reagan, signing a mutually beneficial trade deal with Canadian Prime Minister, Brian Mulroney, in the 1980s. Ronald Reagan said on trade with Canada: “Our peaceful trading partners are not our enemies, they are our allies. We should beware of the demagogues who are ready to declare a trade war against our friends, weakening our economy, our national security and the entire free world.