Item - 2021.EC24.17

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:  

1.  City Council authorize the Chief and General Manager, Toronto Paramedic Services to negotiate and enter into a non-competitive agreement with Crestline Coach Ltd. for the design, build and delivery of a Ministry of Health certified multi-patient ambulance, including all required equipment and accessories, in the amount of $681,805 excluding all taxes and charges ($693,805 net of Harmonized Sales Tax recoveries), on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Chief and General Manager, Toronto Paramedic Services and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

The purpose of this report is to request City Council approval for the Chief and General Manager, Toronto Paramedic Services to negotiate and enter into a non-competitive agreement with Crestline Coach Ltd. for the design, build and delivery of a Ministry of Health certified multi-patient ambulance, including all required equipment and accessories, in the amount of $681,805 excluding all taxes and charges ($693,805 net of HST recoveries).

Due to the highly specialized design of the multi-patient ambulance, there is no other manufacturer currently certified to produce these vehicles in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Health requirements except for Crestline Coach Ltd.

Toronto Paramedic Services currently operates two multi-patient ambulances which are used to respond to emergency calls and to planned City events. Both buses are nearing the end of their life-cycle, and are incurring significant operating and maintenance costs, which impacts their availability to respond to incidents and events. This request seeks approval to purchase a specialized, prototype multi-patient ambulance to begin the phase-in of newer and more efficient multi-patient ambulances over a four-year period to replace the existing buses.

Compared to the ambulance buses currently in use, the proposed prototype vehicle is anticipated to provide a number of advantages, including lower operating costs, improved safety and ergonomics, better maneuverability and reduced environmental impact. The proposed prototype will also benefit from an established Toronto Paramedic Services-Crestline vehicle remount program, which is more environmentally responsible and extends the life of the vehicle, saving as much as 20-50 percent over purchasing a new unit.