Security approved for shared building amid ongoing drug, alcohol concerns

Slave Lake Town Council approved contracted security for the shared town office, Government of Alberta and library building, discussed illegal dumping at the recycling depot and received updates on several construction projects during its Sept. 1 meeting. The meeting was the town’s regular council meeting.

Town of Slave Lake RCMP reports property crime increase

Staff Sgt. Casey Bruyns presented the Slave Lake RCMP’s first-quarter report for April through June.
Property crime was up nine per cent compared with the same period last year, although Casey said much of the increase came from a rise in the “mischief other” category, which went from 50 incidents to 91.

He said other property-crime categories were generally similar to or lower than last year.
The detachment recorded 313 officer-violator contacts in Slave Lake and 40 in the M.D. during the quarter, along with about 500 school-zone patrols. Casey said officers are encouraged to visit each school three times a day when possible.

The RCMP also reported 124 false 911 calls, up from 41. Casey said a significant number originated from a town telephone number that has since been dealt with.

Casey also highlighted several investigations involving prolific offenders, including the recovery of a stolen quad and a stolen vehicle investigation that resulted in the seizure of fentanyl, bear spray and a replica handgun.

He said detachment staffing is currently in relatively good shape, with both corporal positions filled and another constable expected to arrive from Lloydminster.
Council accepted the report for information.

Council wants bulky-item pickup explored

Council received an update on operations at the town’s recycling depot, including the disposal of grass clippings and tree brush.
The depot is currently ungated and unstaffed. Grass clippings are removed three times a week, while brush bins are emptied twice a week, with additional service as required.

The town continues to deal with illegal dumping of items that are not accepted at the depot, including furniture, mattresses, appliances, propane cylinders and used oil containers.

Those items have to be collected by Public Works and transported to the regional landfill, adding to the department’s workload.
Cameras have recently been installed at the depot in an effort to deter illegal dumping.

Administration said it may eventually recommend either converting the depot to a gated facility with defined operating hours or introducing periodic curbside collection for bulky household items.

Councillor Kimberly. Hughes asked administration to assess the cost and operational requirements of a potential curbside collection program and return with a report.

Council subsequently accepted the depot report for information.

Construction projects continue

Administration provided updates on several major projects.
Work on the 11th Street water main is in its final commissioning stage. Installation is complete, with flushing and pressure testing underway. Residents are expected to be switched to the new line after water-quality testing is completed.

Work on the sanitary main near the hospital is also progressing. A section of road near Fourth Avenue has been closed while a manhole is installed. The project is expected to be completed in approximately three weeks.

The contractor for the town’s microsurfacing program is expected to return this weekend to finish work on Main Street, weather permitting.

Milling for the town’s mill-and-overlay program is expected to begin next week, followed by paving.
CN began crossing repairs on Highway 88 on Sept. 1, with a full closure planned for Thursday and traffic diverted to Caribou Trail.
The town adjusted its paving schedule to avoid putting new pavement under diverted traffic.

Work on the Main Street and 67th Avenue intersection upgrades is expected to begin next week.
At the MRC, flooring and toilet partition work in the women’s washroom has been completed, while urinal upgrades in the men’s washroom were expected to finish Friday. Both washrooms are expected to return to public access afterward.

Security approved for office building

Council approved a security service for the shared building used by the Town of Slave Lake, Government of Alberta and library.
Administration said the building has experienced an increase in incidents involving alcohol and drug use, intoxication, loitering, littering and other inappropriate activity.

Facility maintenance staff are currently spending approximately one to three hours a day dealing with these issues, taking them away from their regular maintenance responsibilities.

Administration also raised concerns about employees having to deal with people who may be intoxicated, confrontational or potentially violent.

The proposed security officer will work 42.5 hours per week at $30 per hour, for an estimated total cost of $61,200 annually. The cost will be shared among the organizations using the building, with the town’s estimated share being $816 per month, or $9,792 annually.

The schedule will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The officer will patrol the building and surrounding common areas, including public washrooms, and respond to issues involving intoxication, drugs, alcohol, loitering and other inappropriate activity.

Several councillors supported the proposal but questioned whether the service should be considered a trial, noting that some of the activity appears to increase during the summer.

Administration said the problem does not disappear during the winter, when the building can become an attractive warm space for people seeking shelter.

Council was also told the Government of Alberta and library have expressed similar concerns about activity in the building.
Councillor Cindy Williams said she has personally witnessed concerning activity around the building several times a week and recalled calling the RCMP during an afternoon brawl the previous week.

She said public safety was a major concern, particularly for children and others accessing the building.
Councillor Shawn Gramlick also emphasized the safety of facility maintenance employees, saying they should not have to effectively act as security guards while carrying out their regular jobs.

Council approved the security service, subject to a cost-sharing agreement with the Government of Alberta and library.
Administration later clarified that the weekly cost listed in the report should be $1,275 rather than $875. The annual total of $61,200 and the town’s $9,792 share were confirmed as correct.

Railway Safety Week recognized

Council approved a resolution recognizing Railway Safety Week from Sept. 21 to 27.
The resolution notes that 252 railway crossing and trespassing incidents occurred in Canada in 2025, resulting in 69 avoidable fatalities and 60 avoidable serious injuries.

The town will support efforts to remind residents about the dangers around railway crossings and the importance of obeying railway and traffic safety rules.

William Hetherington
Lakeside Leader