Chief Krauter presented the report seeking approval to purchase seven (7) ambulances for delivery in the spring of 2019, as approved in the 2019 budget.
He also reported to Council that he was seeking approval to sole source the ambulances from the only known available Ministry approved manufacturer, Crestline Coach Ltd.
He further advised of the availability of hybrid ambulances, which was new for 2019. He noted that estimated savings on using hybrid ambulances was 15-20% reduction for fuel and brake expenditures. He advised that he was seeking to purchase 2 hybrid ambulances of the 7 and would monitor their performance and re-evaluate whether the additional acquisition cost of the hybrid vehicles was justified.
In response to a Council question, he noted that on average, the lifespan of an ambulance was 5 years (250,000 to 300,000 kms per vehicle) and that on average, the Corporation recoups $6000 to $8000 on resale.