Stettler town council has approved an operating manual for a new community peace officer program, taking a first step toward bringing bylaw enforcement & animal control in-house.
During its Oct. 6 meeting, council voted unanimously to approve the community peace officer procedures manual to support the town’s provincial application for the program.
Council also authorized administration to sign a six-month contract extension with Alberta Animal Services to ensure continuous coverage through mid-2027 while the town transitions to the new setup.
The move follows a decision made by council in June to terminate its full-time contract with Alberta Animal Services effective Dec. 31, 2026.
Council heard that transitioning from a third-party service provider to a municipal peace officer is expected to reduce operating costs.
Under the municipality’s current setup, third-party bylaw enforcement generates an annual net cost of $84,280 on operating expenses of $196,280.
The new framework is projected to cost $156,200 while increasing annual fine revenues, dropping the town’s tax requirement to $38,200, or an anticipated savings of $46,080.
The program will require a $67,500 capital expense in the 2027 budget to purchase a patrol vehicle with emergency lights, radar & lidar units, an in-car computer, & safety gear.
Under the framework, the officer will hold dual status as a municipal bylaw enforcement officer & provincial peace officer.
Town administration will submit the policy manual to Alberta Public Security as part of the formal application process ahead of a planned mid-2027 launch.
Under the approved motion, council will revisit & review the policy manual again before the program officially launches.
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
