No word back from province on police study — council wants answer not rumours

The MD of Opportunity would like an answer from the Government of Alberta on a study into the viability of an RCMP detachment in Calling Lake.

Although the study suggested a detachment, the MD had heard unofficially that the province wouldn’t fund an RCMP detachment.

“I want to see it in writing,” said Councillor Cheri Courtorielle.

MD staff has been in conversation with the province to try to get an answer.

In other policing news, council had lots to say about Municipal Enforcement and Security in general.

At the meeting, Bill Auger, manager of Municipal Enforcement and Security, reported to council.

As of June 11, he said, the MD had 35 dogs in the pounds. Of these, 24 were in Wabasca and 11 in Calling Lake. The Wabasca numbers included 21 from Chipewyan Lake.

The Wabasca pound was built for 16, he added, so it is at almost double capacity. Administration is working to add some temporary housing for the extra dogs.

The new security guard for Red Earth Creek has been evacuated to Edmonton, as he lives in Loon Lake, added Auger. Two people may be interested in the community peace officer job in the MD.

Councillor Darlene Jackson suggested the MD offer a six-month contract in case people don’t want to commit to longer term.

“I can definitely bring that up,” said Auger.

Councillor Tahirih Wiebe had a question about what work they would be able to do, as the MD’s application for community peace officer accreditation hasn’t been approved yet.

They can work as bylaw officers and security.

“It’s just been a waiting game,” said Chad Tullis, MD CAO. “Does it normally take this long?” he asked.

Bill had been told weeks ago that he’d hear in two or three weeks, which didn’t happen. He planned to contact the deputy minister to see if it can be fast tracked.

Councillor Louis A. Cardinal asked if the Red Earth Creek security officer could go to Peerless and Trout as well, once he was back in the community.

Councillor Gerald Johnson asked if that would be something the peace officers could do, once they are hired and the program is set up.

Peerless Trout First Nation is responsible for Peerless Lake and Trout Lake, said Tullis, so a formal agreement would be needed for the MD peace officers to patrol those communities.