Richard Froese
South Peace News

A permanent commanding officer for High Prairie RCMP, a dog handler for drugs, and enhanced policing are top priorities for town council and local police.

Those were the key issues as the RCMP made its regular visit to Town of High Prairie council on Aug. 9.

“I will take your concerns to the western district office,” says Paul Thalhofer, Reservist Constable, and retired staff sergeant, interim commander until September.

“We need stable management.”

Council urged him and the local detachment to plead the community’s case to RCMP authorities.

“I think you need to move this forward,” Mayor Linda Cox says.
“We need a full-time commander.”

High Prairie RCMP detachment has been served by two interim commanders since March after the previous staff sergeant retired in February.

Thomas Cook of Fort McMurray has been appointed the new staff sergeant but is waiting to sell his house before he relocates here.
However, with the rising prices of real estate after the wildfire in May, Cox says she doubts he will come to High Prairie and wondered whether someone else will be appointed.

Thalhofer agrees that posting could be reviewed by the RCMP.

Council is concerned about all three issues of focus.

“What we do tell them is falling on deaf ears, we’re not being heard,” Councillor Michael Long says.
“It’s frustrating for people of this community to be put on the backburner again.”

Thalhofer says he would like to see a dog handler here.
“There’s a need for it,” he says.

All those issues will be addressed by the town during the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association fall convention Oct. 5-7, the mayor says.
Council will speak to representatives of the Ministry of Solicitor General and RCMP.

Currently the town and Big Lakes County are starting discussions on a new three-year contract with the RCMP and Alberta Justice.