September 22, 1999
To: Community Services Committee
From: Barry H. Gutteridge, Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services
Ronald L. Kelusky General Manager Toronto Ambulance
Subject: Acquisition of Replacement Ambulances
Purpose:
This report provides City Council with an update concerning the recommendations contained within Clause 3 of Report No. 2 of the Community Services Committee entitled "Acquisition of Replacement Ambulances", adopted, as amended by City Council at its meeting held on July 27 – 30 1999. The recommendation requested that Toronto Ambulance approach the Ministry of Health and Long – Term Care regarding exploring alternative fuel sources for ambulances.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that the following report be received for information.
Council Background:
At its meeting on July 27 – 30, 1999 City Council approved the acquisition of 24 replacement ambulances. The report was amended to include the recommendation that Toronto Ambulance approach the Ministry of Health and Long – Term Care regarding exploring alternative fuels other than diesel fuel for ambulance vehicles. Current specifications, warranties and chassis availability for ambulance vehicles is restricted to diesel power only.
On August 24th, 1999 the City Clerk received notification from Mr. Graham P. Brand Director, Emergency Health Services Branch that the Ministry of Health and Long – Term Care indicating that the Ministry will continue to examine the potential application of alternative fuels for ambulance vehicles. Although no decisions have been made with respect to the application of alternative fuels at this time that Ministry of Health and Long – Term Care will work with Toronto Ambulance to investigate this area for application involving future vehicle purchases.
Conclusions:
The opportunity to introduce alternative fuel configurations for ambulance vehicles cannot be achieved at this time. The acquisition of replacement ambulances for the 1999 budget year will therefore be diesel powered. The Ministry of Health and Long – Term Care will work with Toronto Ambulance in examining the potential application of non-diesel engines for ambulance vehicles in the future.
Contact Name:
Ronald L. Kelusky
General Manager
397- 9240
Nom Lambert
Director, EMS Operational Support
397- 2061
Ronald L. Kelusky Barry Gutteridge, Commissioner
General Manager, Works and Emergency Services
Toronto Ambulance
