The Village of Clive council heard that crime stats in the community so far this year are similar to 2019.
The report came from the village’s RCMP commander during the regular meeting of council on Oct. 26.
Blackfalds RCMP Detachment Commander Staff Sgt. Dan Martin appeared before council to give a presentation centered on the fact the amount of crime in and around Clive appears similar to last year.
Martin stated mental health calls are up in number slightly over last year, and all of the calls were linked to five residences.
“There were 48 calls for service this year in Clive compared to 52 for the same time period last year,” stated village Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Carla Kenney in an interview on Oct. 28.
“The combined Town of Blackfalds and the rural RCMP detachment benefits by enabling 24/7 staffing, versus evening on-calls.
“The RCMP emphasized the need to report criminal activity, which is critical.
“Blackfalds Detachment annual performance plan focuses are employee wellness, crime reduction and enhance public confidence and engagement.”
Martin also stated police were concerned the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing more people to remain at home, might result in a spike in family violence, but apparently, that has not happened in the Clive area.
Councillors accepted Martin’s report for information.
Clive Frost Fest
The annual Christmas time celebration is a go for the Village of Clive, as the Frost Fest will be held Dec. 11.
Kenney stated there will be horse and wagon rides, plus some other details that need to be worked out with event partners.
Emergency management
Councillors gave third and final reading to Emergency Management Bylaw #544-20 to update the previous Emergency Management Bylaw #495-11, to appoint a Municipal Emergency Advisory Committee and to establish and maintain a Municipal Emergency Management Agency.
Kenney explained the bylaw needed to be updated to be compliant with new provincial government legislation.
Strategic goals
Council decided to schedule a Strategic Goals and Initiatives Committee meeting on Nov. 9.
Kenney noted the village is working to look as far as 30 years into the future, but also as close as one year down the road.
One year initiatives agreed upon will be sent out for public comment before the annual budgeting process begins.
Police service
Councillors discussed a letter that included the Provincial Police Servicing template.
Kenney stated it appears the template was intended to help communities more clearly define what police services they’re getting from the province’s new police funding model.
The village traditionally has had good contact with the Blackfalds RCMP Detachment, stated the CAO.
One thing councillors mentioned during the discussion is that they wouldn’t like to see increased police funding spent on reports.
Highway concerns
Village council read a response from Alberta Transportation regarding concerns about the condition of highways 12 and 21.
The provincial government department stated council concerns will be taken into consideration.
Stu Salkeld, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
