Efforts to establish a joint rural crime committee involving Athabasca County, the Town of Athabasca and the Village of Boyle continued Nov. 6.
The Athabasca Citizens on Patrol brought their proposal to the Village of Boyle during their regular council meeting after previously meeting with Athabasca County (Sept. 26) and with the Town of Athabasca (Oct. 1).
Athabasca COP president Rod Keer said they hope to make all government levels aware of rural crime and to try and get some plans to combat the issue in place.
"We also hope to approach all the neighbouring communities so they can all strike committees in their governments in order to make plans to affect the reduction of crime," Kerr said.
He added they received some good feedback from all the village councillors present at the meeting.
"Alice Wlos and Terry Jordan, the presidents of Boyle COP and Boyle Rural Crime Watch respectively, both accompanied me to the meeting," Kerr continued. "Both gave their full support to the formation of the joint committee and reiterated the need to work together in order to reduce crime throughout the Athabasca area."
He said that it's something the constituents in this area have long been asking for.
"We know we are not going to be getting more policeman right away, and we know that the budget for social services is limited. There are lots of things that Athabasca needs at the moment," Kerr said. "But we have to start somewhere, and so if we can have committees struck, and have these committees meet occasionally to discuss strategies or ideas to reduce crime, we can come up with good plans to implement and to maybe have it as a long-term project."
He also said there will be some upcoming initiatives regarding rural crime that will be publicized in the near future.
"I can not say at this time what they are," Kerr added. "But I can say that the Athabasca and Boyle COPs as well as the Boyle Rural Crime Watch are very pleased that all three municipalities are taking the initiative in order to work together to reduce rural crime."
Kerr said the joint meeting is likely to take place early in the new year.
After the presentation, Coun. Shelby Kitely moved to have the COP's proposal added to the agenda. The motion was carried unanimously.
Proposed Letter to Transport Minister
Council also passed a motion made by Coun. Barbara Smith to write a letter to Transportation Minister Ric McIver regarding the deterioration of Highways 663 and 831.
"We also have to address the need for adequate signage and awareness in both school and playground zones," Deputy Mayor Patrick Ferguson said. "A copy of the letter will be sent to (Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock) MLA Glenn van Dijken and Paula Campbell, the Athabasca area's operations manager for Alberta Transportation, and we will be requesting an update on when the issues will be addressed."
Ferguson also said last summer's torrential down pours caused damage to both highways, and that the junction of each highway had large chunks of pavement pealed out as a result.
"We need to let the minister know that both highways are deteriorating and in need of resurfacing," he continued. "We also need to mention the large amount of traffic using each highway, as well as getting proper markings for crosswalks and any amount of new technology to warn drivers of the playground and school zones."
Tree of Hope donation
Council passed a motion from Kitely to donate $100 to the Boyle Healthcare Centre Auxiliary for the 2019 Tree of Hope Campaign.
In his report to council, interim chief administrative officer Robert Jorgensen said the village has donated $100 to the campaign every year since 2013.
In a letter received from the auxiliary Oct. 31, president Judy Flax said this year's donations will be used to finalize the patio project at the Boyle Healthcare Centre.
"(We) are very proud of the patio and thankful for the community support and patience received," Flax said in the letter. "The patio has been open, used and appreciated by many patients and visitors this summer and fall, and in the words of Alberta Health Services, our patio "sets the bar" for other patio projects in the province."
This year's Tree of Hope Ceremony and lighting of the tree will take place Dec. 3 at the Boyle Healthcare Centre at 2 p.m.
