“In the past few years we have tolerated bullying, verbal, physical, printed in the newspaper and elsewhere, online and on social media,” said Alix Mayor Arlene Nelson. “They are venues that have all been used in this community.
“Not only has council been bullied but also village staff, local business people, private citizens and essentially the whole community.”
Mayor Nelson said the bullying must stop and has gone on “far too long.”
“We will do whatever we can to stop it and it will start now,” Mayor Nelson said at the start of Alix’s regular council meeting Feb. 15 with about a dozen residents attending.
Mayor Nelson said that bullying has run rampant in Alix for more than two years perpetuated by a “small band of negative people.”
She said the village has a harassment policy that states the village won’t tolerate abuse.
“We stand up to bullying,” said Mayor Nelson. “As we tell the children, if you witness bullying, step up and stop the action, interfere, defend and report. This is not just a council problem, it’s not an individual problem, it is a community problem.
“It must be resolved by our village community.”
More police presence
Bashaw RCMP’s new detachment commander S/Sgt Bruce Holiday introduced himself to the community during Alix’s regular council meeting Feb. 15.
S/Sgt. Holiday said residents can expect more of a police presence in Alix, which doesn’t have its own detachment and is policed by Bashaw RCMP.
“I assure you we will be out more.”
Dog park proposal
Amy Saunders gave a presentation to council asking for the village’s help with creating a dog park in Alix. She asked the village to budget $25,000 for start up of the facility.
Saunders said she conducted an online survey and the response was positive. She said she researched dog parks in Stettler and Blackfalds. One of Alix’s current parks could be converted into a dog park.
Coun. Rob Fehr said a dog park is an excellent idea.
Council accepted the presentation as information.
