Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo’s Community and Health Services Committee has approved a comprehensive, ten-year Paramedic Services Master Plan.   

With significant changes in the health care system and increasing demand from a growing and aging population, the new plan will guide investments in Paramedic Services resources from 2026 to 2035. It aims to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations in response to an expected 60 per cent increase in 911 call demand by 2035.   

Key recommendations include enhancements and expansions of facilities, the workforce, programs and services, alongside proposing a comprehensive clinical care strategy, new digital strategy and leveraging technological advancements.  

The plan’s recommendations will be considered annually as part of the Region’s budget process to ensure alignment with financial and sustainability objectives. For 2026 and 2027, the new plan recommends fewer resources than the existing plan, easing financial pressures on the regional tax levy.  

The plan was developed by ORH LTD, an internationally recognized consultancy in emergency service planning. The firm conducted extensive research in close collaboration with Paramedic Services to create the resource and strategy recommendations.  

The previous 10-year Paramedic Services Master Plan was approved by Council in 2016, with updated forecasts in 2019 and a shift to the high growth scenario in 2022.   

The new plan will be considered for final approval by Regional Council at the end of September.  

Quote from Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services Chief John Riches:  

"Our new Plan is a transformative step in ensuring Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services are equipped to meet the growing and diverse needs of Waterloo Region. Grounded in international best practices and driven by data, the plan optimizes our vision for the delivery of emergency medical services in our community for the coming decade. It supports staff recruitment and retention and provides our Paramedics and staff with the resources they need to deliver the highest quality patient care and service to those in need.”   

Quote from Regional Chair Karen Redman:  

"The new 10-year Paramedic Services Plan reflects a thoughtful and strategic approach to planning for our growing needs. We are committed to building a resilient system that is future-ready, fiscally responsible and deeply attuned to the needs of our residents."  

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