Hastings County Paramedic Services is getting closer to upgrading its fleet of ambulances with a one-time procurement exemption.
The County’s Emergency Services Committee passed a recommendation Wednesday to have County Council approve a limited, one-time non-competitive procurement exemption under the County’s Purchasing and Procurement Policy for the purchase of one Type III ambulance from Tri-Star Industries for 2027.
This exemption will be for the purpose of conducting an operational pilot and value-for-money assessment of an Ontario-approved alternative ambulance supplier.
In a report to council, Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Chief Carl Bowker stated Tri-Star’s Type III ambulances are compatible with the County’s current fleet requirements, are available on a Chevrolet chassis and can be integrated with the County’s current telematics systems.
The proposed purchase of one Tri-Star ambulance is not intended to establish Tri-Star as a sole or preferred supplier, but instead is a limited, one-unit operational pilot to assess an Ontario-approved alternative ambulance supplier before determining the appropriate procurement approach for future ambulance replacements.
The pilot will allow staff to compare vehicle performance, compatibility with existing fleet operations and telematics, delivery timelines, deposit requirements, lifecycle costs, parts availability, service reliability and overall value for money.
Hastings/Quinte Paramedic Services has already committed to the purchase of four new ambulances through Crestline, one leading ambulance manufacturer for 2027.
The full report can be seen at this link.
