Rocky Mountain House town council has agreed to submit an expression of interest (EOI) to the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service to explore future policing options.

The EOI process would allow the town and Alberta Sheriffs to discuss potential costs, service delivery and how the two organizations could work together. The process would come at no cost to taxpayers.

Coun. Denise Boniface supported opening discussions, saying a recent presentation from Alberta Sheriffs outlined a model that would focus policing resources within town rather than across the whole region.

“They wouldn’t be headed out of town all the time, and we’d know what we have in town at all times,” she said.

While saying he is not in a hurry to replace the RCMP, Coun. Trevor Kalyn said it is in the town’s best interests to at least understand what Alberta Sheriffs could offer.

Coun. Kevin Stalker raised concerns about potential increases to policing costs but said responding to the EOI is simply an opportunity to gather more information. He said no major decisions on policing will be made in the near term.

One topic to be explored through the EOI is how Alberta Sheriffs could integrate with Community Peace Officers (CPOs).

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RELATED

• Firm recommends Rocky Mountain House remain with RCMP
• “Not bashing the RCMP” Rocky Mountain House commissions $60,000 grant to explore policing models

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In spring 2025, the town commissioned a $60,000 grant-funded study to examine different policing models, including Alberta Sheriffs, a municipal police force or maintaining the current RCMP contract.

A report from Western Management Consultants (WMC) released in August 2025 recommended the town remain with the RCMP. The report said the RCMP is best equipped to address crime in a small community with a moderate crime severity index (CSI), such as Rocky Mountain House.

In 2024, the town spent nearly $4.5 million on protective services, accounting for about 20 per cent of operating expenses. Only utilities and Recreation and Culture cost more.