Extended Lifespan of Fire Apparatus in Municipalities
IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT Alberta Municipalities advocate to the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and other relevant bodies to review and amend policies requiring the mandatory pump recertification of fire apparatus every 20 years in accordance with the National Fire Code of Canada and the effect on insurance premiums for residents based on the Fire Underwriters Survey Technical Bulletin Insurance Grading Recognition of Used or Rebuilt Fire Apparatus, with consideration for the unique needs and financial circumstances of municipalities and their residents; and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that Alberta Municipalities recommend that fire apparatus replacement be based on usage, condition, and maintenance records rather than a fixed time frame, allowing municipalities to retain and maintain their equipment for longer periods without compromising safety or compliance with standards.
WHEREAS municipalities face significant financial constraints, and the decision to replace fire apparatus at the end of a 20-year cycle can place an unsustainable burden on communities;
WHEREAS fire apparatus in some municipalities are not used as frequently or as intensively as in larger urban centers, leading to a slower rate of wear and tear and a longer effective lifespan for such equipment;
WHEREAS fire apparatus are designed and built to last well beyond 20 years with proper maintenance, and many municipalities maintain their equipment in good condition, extending its useful life without compromising safety or functionality; and
WHEREAS the current 20-year pump recertification mandate and personal insurance implications for residents may force some municipalities to divert valuable resources from other essential services to replace apparatus that are still operational, thus harming the community's overall well-being and development.
Recertifications typically range from $10,000 to $15,000, representing a significant financial burden for many municipalities – particularly smaller or rural communities that use their apparatus infrequently and maintain them in excellent condition.
For these communities, the 20-year threshold may not reflect actual equipment usage, wear, or condition, yet still triggers costly compliance requirements. Allowing municipalities to extend the service life of their apparatus based on objective factors such as condition, maintenance and usage – rather than an arbitrary age limit – would support more sustainable budgeting while continuing to ensure safe and reliable fire response.
In addition, as outlined in the Fire Underwriters Survey Technical Bulletin Insurance Grading Recognition of Used or Rebuilt Fire Apparatus, apparatus over 20 years old in small and rural communities and over 15 years old in major and medium sized cities will lose their “frontline status” which will increase the insurance premiums for property owners on their next renewal.
Government Response
Municipal Affairs acknowledges the request made during the engagement for additional funding, such as grants for firefighting apparatus and monetary support from the province. On February 24, 2025, Municipal Affairs announced the creation of the Provincial Fire Liaison Committee to strengthen local fire services with more support for training, response planning, and greater collaboration. The committee is made up of partner ministries, municipalities, First Nations, Metis Settlements, and fire service representatives from across the province. The Provincial Fire Liaison Committee is a platform for discussing how to improve and support the fire service in Alberta, including fire apparatus lifespans.
ABmunis’ Rating of the Government’s Response
Intent partly met – further action will take place at a medium level of engagement.
ABmunis’ Notes and Actions
ABmunis and the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) will work with Western Canadian Municipal Associations (WCMA) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to send joint letters to the federal government advocating for enhanced funding for municipal fire departments, including the reinstatement of the federal Joint Emergency Preparedness Program.