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News Release: Smoky Lake County Council Meets with Minister of Public Safety and Minister of Municipal Affairs
NEWS RELEASE: Smoky Lake County Council Meets with Minister of Public Safety and Minister of Municipal Affairs
Smoky Lake, AB- March 24, 2025
Meeting Summary: Smoky Lake County Council, Minister of Public Safety Mike Ellis, and Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver
Smoky Lake County Council met with Minister of Public Safety Mike Ellis and Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver to address pressing concerns regarding rural crime, policing resources, municipal funding, and emergency services. Council emphasized the growing challenges faced by the County due to increasing demands on its limited resources.
Rural crime and law enforcement capacity were at the forefront of discussions. Council highlighted the immense workload placed on a small RCMP detachment, which is struggling to keep up with the demands of policing an expansive rural area. Reeve Serben was particularly direct in his questioning of Minister Ellis, emphasizing the urgent need for 24-hour policing. He pointed to the increasing crime rates stemming from neighboring communities and stressed that limited law enforcement coverage leaves the County vulnerable. Council urged the Minister to take immediate action to enhance policing resources in rural Alberta.
Reeve Serben was equally forthright in his discussion with Minister McIver regarding the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) funding. He strongly expressed that the funding model continues to place a heavy burden on the County, failing to provide the necessary financial support to maintain critical infrastructure and services. Reeve Serben emphasized that Smoky Lake County is constantly strained in its efforts to balance affordability for residents while ensuring essential services remain available and effective.
Emergency services, particularly fire response, were also a key concern raised during the meeting. Council highlighted the growing number of medical calls being handled by the volunteer fire department, noting that this is beyond the traditional scope of their responsibilities. Reeve Serben stressed that while these volunteers are committed to serving their community, the increasing demand is making it difficult to retain and engage them. He called for additional provincial support to alleviate the strain on emergency responders and ensure their sustainability.
Minister McIver took Council’s concerns seriously, acknowledging the challenges outlined during the meeting. He assured Council that his ministry would work directly with the County’s administration to explore solutions and provide support where possible. He also expressed appreciation for the Council’s candor and honesty, noting that this was not the first time he had heard these concerns from Smoky Lake County. Minister McIver committed to addressing the issues raised and continuing the dialogue to find meaningful solutions.
The meeting concluded with Council reaffirming its commitment to advocating for better resources and support to ensure the safety, affordability, and sustainability of Smoky Lake County. Council remains hopeful that meaningful action will follow these discussions.