Since the downturn in Alberta’s economy crime is on the increase and Alix, which doesn’t have a police detachment in the village, is an easy target, Edwin Cole of Excalibur Security Consultants told council at its regular meeting Feb. 24.
Cole, a retired RCMP officer living in Alix, offered his services to the village saying he could help monitor the community for suspicious activities during the hours of the night the community is most vulnerable.
“The deterrent factor alone justifies the cost,” he said.
Cole said the criminal element monitors police scanners and are aware where police are and know the response time for the Bashaw detachment to reach Alix is typically 30 to 60 minutes. He added that it’s cost prohibitive for Alix to have a local police detachment.
“I like the concept,” said Mayor Arlene Nelson of Cole’s proposal.
Coun. Kurt Pederson said although Alix has Citizens on Patrol, it’s difficult to get the people out.
Cole, however, said unless those patrolling are ex-law enforcement they don’t know what to look for before a crime happens. He said he would like to start in April or May.
Council deferred making a decision and will discuss the issue at its upcoming budget deliberations in March.
Bull-A-Rama
Council approved Alix Ice Breaker Bull-A-Rama committee’s asked request for permission to close the alley between 51 St. and 52 St. for 72 hours period surrounding the May 6 Bull-A-Rama at the Alix Arena.
Council also gave them permission to have livestock in the village limits for up to 72 hours.
Bylaw issues
Lacombe County Enforcement department spent more time dealing with by-law issues than traffic violations in January.
Lacombe County Enforcement Officer Julian Veuger’s report to council said peace officers spent considerable time in the communities enforcing sidewalk cleaning violations and complaints.
Officers wrote warning tickets and tried to personally issue them to the resident. If they weren’t home the warning ticket was placed on the door in obvious view.
“It is surprising to officers the homes that were occupied, the residents refused to come to the door,” Veuger said in his report. “On a couple occasions after an hour the sidewalk was cleaned at the residence.”
But Veuger said enforcement is working and last year’s violators are the first ones to have their sidewalks cleaned this year.
“Over the last few years people are getting the hint and can expect enforcement.”
