A ticket from an enforcement officer is something people generally hope to avoid. But for young residents in the MD of Pincher Creek, a ticket can now be a reward for doing the right thing.

When community peace officer Robyn Potter recently stopped Alex, a Lundbreck youth, after spotting him walking his dog safely on a leash, Alex thought he was in trouble.

“I explained to Alex that he was caught doing the right thing and that I wanted to reward him with a positive ticket,” she says. “Alex got excited and told me that he walks his dog every day and asked me if he could get another ticket tomorrow.”

Moments like this are the idea behind the MD’s new Positive Ticketing Program, launched in June.

Everyday acts of responsibility — from safe cycling to following community bylaws — present opportunities for encouragement and connection. Kids are ticketed for doing things right, not for doing things wrong.

The idea came to council in January, when Potter pitched the concept during a committee meeting. Council backed it right away.

Positive ticketing isn’t new — it’s already used in communities across Alberta — but Potter says the timing made sense for Pincher Creek, with new bylaws recently passed.

“I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to engage with the younger generations, educate, promote and reward compliance with those bylaws,” she says.

How it works

The process is simple. When Potter spots a child or teen doing something responsible, such as wearing a helmet, crossing safely, walking a leashed dog or showing kindness, she stops to say thanks.

“When I observe a child or youth engaging in positive behaviour or being a great community member, I stop and chat with them to thank them for doing the right thing,” she says.

From there, she writes a positive ticket on the spot. The recipient can take it to the MD’s administrative office to trade for a gift card toward a cold treat.

Three positive tickets have been handed out so far.

When Potter pitched the program to council, her sample ticket showed a youth walking a dog on a leash — which happened to play out for real with Alex.

“I enjoy these positive interactions and being a part of showing kids that doing the right thing is cool,” Potter says.

Community support

The program relies on local businesses to fund the rewards. Three sponsors are on board, each having donated gift cards.

“We warmly welcome any additional sponsors who want to help reward the good choices made by children and youth in the MD,” Potter says.

Businesses that sign on get their logo featured on the positive tickets — visibility for them and rewards for the kids.

The program has minimal cost for the MD, requiring no additional staffing or resources.

Businesses interested in becoming sponsors can contact Potter at 403-632-5096 or MDCPO@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca.

Looking ahead

Potter says the goal is to build trust between young people and enforcement officers.

“Enforcement services hopes that these positive interactions between the children and youth, and officers, will inspire more positive decision-making, build a friendly relationship with the youth, and make them feel comfortable approaching us with questions, concerns or just to chat,” she says.

She encourages residents to celebrate the program’s small wins.

“If you know someone in your community that has received a positive ticket, congratulate them,” Potter says.

“Keep up the great work, everyone. We love catching people doing the right thing!”