Central Parkland County

In early July, RCMP conducted a safety patrol on Wabamun Lake, checking paddleboards and small vessels for compliance with Transport Canada regulations. The effort focused on raising awareness and preventing water-related incidents.

They found 51 individuals without life jackets or PFDs -- 46 of whom were paddleboarders. All were directed back to shore and educated on the legal requirement to have a Canadian-approved PFD on board, even if not worn. Paddleboards are considered vessels under Canadian law, requiring users to carry a PFD and whistle at the very least. (NOTE: inflatable PFDs do not meet the requirements of a legal PFD on a paddleboard.)

This summer, while paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, etc., please ensure safe enjoyment of Parkland County’s lakes and rivers.

Building Safer Communities...Together.

As of April 2025, Alberta residents can now report non-emergency crimes by calling 310-RCMP (7267) — a new, province-wide number that connects directly to the Alberta RCMP Operational Communication Centre. This initiative is designed to simplify the reporting process, reduce confusion about which detachment to contact, and help ensure 911 remains available for true emergencies. The line is toll-free, requires no area code, and is accessible from any phone within Alberta.

In Parkland County, residents are encouraged to use 310-RCMP to report non-urgent incidents such as minor vehicle collisions, property damage under $5,000, or break-ins that have already occurred. These reports still receive a police response, but help prioritize frontline resources for high-risk situations. Non-emergencies can also be reported online through the Alberta RCMP app or at www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ab.

Building Safer Communities...Together.

As is common most summers, Parkland County has recently been facing significant issues with dirt bikes and ATVs. Residents have reported a noticeable increase in riders speeding through subdivisions and residential areas, often without helmets. This reckless behavior not only poses a serious safety risk to the riders themselves but also endangers pedestrians and other motorists.

Additionally, many of these riders are operating their dirt bikes and ATVs without proper registration and insurance. This lack of compliance with legal requirements adds another layer of concern for residents. Unregistered and uninsured vehicles can complicate matters in the event of an accident, making it difficult to hold riders accountable.

There has been a rise in concerns regarding OHV safety. Enforcement Services advises users to familiarize themselves with the Parkland County OHV Bylaw and provincial legislation.

Building Safer Communities...Together.

Peace Officers play a valuable role in Parkland County, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of county roads, communities, and infrastructure through the enforcement of Provincial statutes and Municipal bylaws.

Additional services include:

• Animal Services

• Monitoring traffic safety in school zones

• Patrolling residential areas, industrial areas and municipal parks to prevent break and enters, vandalism, and property damage

• Proactive partnerships within the community through Crime Watch/Prevention groups and school programs

• Targeting unsafe commercial vehicles including overweight and over-dimensional vehicles to protect local infrastructure

As you too get busier this summer, remember to pause and reflect on the amazing County of Parkland that we live in, work in, and enjoy. Maybe even pause and take a moment to admire the Northern Lights.

Building Safer Communities...Together.

Road bans in Alberta are temporary restrictions placed on certain roads to protect them from damage, particularly during periods of thawing in the spring. These bans are essential for maintaining the integrity of the road infrastructure, as heavy vehicles can cause significant damage when the ground is soft. The bans typically limit the weight of vehicles allowed on these roads, ensuring that they remain in good condition for all users. The Alberta government regularly updates the road ban list, which includes detailed information on the affected roads and the specific weight restrictions in place.

For real-time updates and information on current road conditions, drivers can use resources like 511 Alberta, which provides up-to-the-minute traffic information. Additionally, local municipalities, such as Parkland County, may issue their own local road bans and/or provide maps and permits for affected areas.

By adhering to these road bans, drivers help preserve the road network and ensure safe travel for everyone. If you need to travel on restricted roads, it's important to check the latest updates and obtain the necessary permits to avoid fines and contribute to the maintenance of Alberta's roadways.

For additional information in Parkland County, please contact 780-968-8888.

Building Safer Communities...Together.

Occasionally in Parkland County, as in other municipalities, a residential property may not be maintained to an acceptable standard. One such property emerged in the Central Parkland County area. After months of investigations and follow-ups, a comprehensive 2-day cleanup became necessary. Although this was an obviously stressful period for the residents, all individuals on the property were cooperative for this cleanup process.

The cleanup involved one unregistered, non-operational vehicle, and lots of general rubbish. Three large dumpsters of garbage had to be removed. The property is looking significantly better from the roadway, and neighbors can't help but notice a positive transformation.

Parkland County residents are certainly appreciative of the team efforts between Parkland RCMP and Parkland County Enforcement Services.

Just another example of...

Building Safer Communities...Together.

On March 5, 2025, while off duty, a Parkland County Peace Officer noticed a suspicious pickup truck parked in front of a problematic property in Wabamun. The officer informed Parkland RCMP, and both officers tried to intercept the truck which was believed to be stolen and carrying known individuals. Unfortunately, the truck had left the area before they arrived.

RCMP and Peace Officers continued to patrol the area with no immediate success. Later that night, Parkland CPO saw the truck again in Wabamun, but it sped away before a stop could be made. Only hours later, RCMP located and intercepted this same vehicle in the early morning on March 6, arresting six known individuals, with two of them being remanded in custody.

During the subsequent investigation, RCMP seized two vehicles, and executed a search warrant on the property. Officers seized drugs, drug paraphernalia, weapons, replica weapons, and also found signs of crack cocaine production.

RCMP and Parkland County Peace Officers regularly work together and share information. This is one example of the positive benefits of this cooperation.

"Building Safer Communities, Together."

Parkland County Enforcement Services (PCES) is pleased to announce a second recovered stolen vehicle in the past two weeks!

While conducting a Community Patrol in the Hamlet of Wabamun, a Parkland County Peace Officer observed a black pick-up style truck matching the description of a suspected stolen vehicle. The Officer immediately queried the license plate and confirmed that the vehicle was in fact stolen. The Peace Officer then contacted RCMP and the vehicle was subsequently seized and towed.

Acting on information supplied by local residents, and working in close conjunction with local RCMP, PCES continues to strive to make our communities safer. This sharing of intelligence has proven crucial in the recovery of several stolen vehicles in the Wabamun area in the past six months.

If you notice anything that you deem as unusual or suspicious, we urge you to contact Parkland County or your local RCMP detachment. Teamwork will help us continue to reduce and prevent crime in our neighbourhoods. Thank You!

Building Safer Communities...Together.

Last night was an informative and fun evening!

Fallis Community Association coordinated a community presentation by local RCMP (Sgt. Jeff Sutherland) and Parkland County Peace Officer (Ryan Berezanski). Information was presented regarding RCMP crime trends and a community update which was followed by a CPTED presentation (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) and an information session discussing the YourParkland.ca community interaction website available to all Parkland residents. The presentations were concluded with a Question and Answer period, addressing thoughts and concerns from the many residents in attendance.

Similar presentations and community interaction events are available to all communities in Parkland County. We love to meet our residents and offer information and insights on various topic areas including Suspicious Activity in your area, CPTED, OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) use, Responsible Pet Ownership, Traffic and Safety concerns, etc.

To arrange for a presentation in your community, simply contact us at ParklandCounty.com.

Building Safer Communities...Together.