Rising RCMP costs are prompting Stettler County council to seek changes to Alberta’s police funding model.
Council will travel to Edmonton for the spring convention of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta from March 16-18.
While in the capital, members of council have also arranged a meeting at the legislature with Public Safety & Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis.
The county plans to raise concerns about escalating policing costs under the provincial formula.
Stettler County paid nearly $400,000 for RCMP services in 2025.
Projections presented at the Feb. 11 council meeting show that figure could approach $1 million annually by 2031.
Council discussion focused on what flexibility municipalities have within the current framework.
One option under consideration is the use of “enhanced” policing contracts, which allowed municipalities to fund additional officers before the current model was introduced.
In particular, funding for the school resource officer program will also be raised.
The county is examining whether the SRO role could be transitioned into an enhanced policing position.
The issue has drawn debate among the municipalities & both the public & Catholic school boards over who is responsible for funding the role.
Council also plans to ask about staffing levels at the Stettler RCMP detachment, & what steps are being taken to fill empty positions.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
