Clearwater County has put a motion forward to potentially see more RCMP in the Nordegg area.

Councillor Neil Ratcliffe noted this Notice of Motion is a result of his discussion with a resident regarding a desire for increased police service and patrols within the hamlet and along the provincial highway.

Christine Heggart, Planning and Emergency Services Director, says Community Peace Officers (CPO) patrol the Nordegg area more in peak season which tends to be from May-September, and less in the non-peak seasons.

Councillor Ratcliffe asked Heggart, if Nordegg having it’s own detachment was a viable option within the existing contract the County has with the RCMP.

“Serving Nordegg yes, but having a police service is not my understanding of the provincial agreement we have. We have an agreement with the RCMP.”

Deputy Reeve Gennifer Mehlhaff said, “When we were up in the public event that we did where we took questions from the audience, afterwards, I was asked about this specifically as well, particularly about retired RCMP or Calgary police that are willing to help in the area.”

Councillor Ratcliffe added, “I’ve also heard many comments from the community wanting this service on a regular basis. From a number of people I have heard calling for service and have been told it was too far for them to come for that certain situation,” added Ratcliffe, noting the Nordegg area is definitely getting a lower level of support.

Ratcliffe also believes this will help residents and visitors be a little more at ease, as well as keeping the highway from turning into a race track.

A motion was made by Councillor Ratcliffe that council request administration to approach the detachment Staff Sergeant about increasing police service in the Nordegg area.

The motion was unanimously carried.