Residents of Rocky Mountain House are being invited to weigh in on the future of local policing at a public open house next week.

The Town of Rocky Mountain House, with support from Western Management Consultants (WMC), is studying its current policing model and considering several alternatives. As part of the public engagement process, WMC will host a community forum on June 19 at the Rocky Regional Recreation Centre.

The event will include results of a recent community survey and an overview of five proposed policing models. Residents will have the chance to provide feedback and learn more about the options under review.

Acting Mayor Len Phillips said the study is not “bashing” the RCMP. “No decisions have been made yet — we want to make sure we’re doing what’s right for Rocky.”

The study is funded in part by a $60,000 grant from Alberta’s Indigenous/Municipal Police Transition Study Grant program. The town is contributing an additional $30,000. Results are expected by the end of 2025.

Currently, Rocky Mountain House operates under a Municipal Police Service Agreement (MPSA) with the RCMP, which costs the municipality about $2.4 million per year. That contract includes shared responsibilities for local, regional and First Nations policing.

Phillips says its one of the most expensive budget lines for the municipality every year.

Among the alternatives being studied are:

• Remaining with the RCMP model
• A standalone municipal police force
• Contracting with another police service
• Hiring Alberta Sheriffs to provide front-line law enforcement

The recent public survey, which closed May 6, focused on residents’ perceptions of safety and the value they believe they receive from current policing services.

Two drop-in session will be held in the Subway Room of the Rocky Regional Recreation Centre. The first runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and another from 6-7 p.m.