West Parkland County

In the spring of 2023 Parkland County Enforcement Services received a number of complaints regarding suspicious and/or potential scams related to paving services and contracts.

We are reminding residents to exercise diligence and caution when retaining contractor services. Keep the following tips in mind to avoid falling victim to a scam:

• Ask for names of previous customers and verify that they were satisfied with the work.
• Research the company through the Better Business Bureau in Alberta, the Consumer Investigations Unit, your local Rural Crime Watch, or on social media.
• Obtain a written quote that includes the full business name, address, phone number, GST number, as well as provincial and municipal license numbers, if applicable.
• Quotes should specify the quantity and quality of materials being offered. Be skeptical if contractors decline to provide this information.
• Seek estimates from reputable companies to compare costs.
• Do not agree to a contract if you feel pressured or if the contractor refuses to take "no" for an answer.
• Be leery of unsolicited offers. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

The Alberta RCMP is working together with the Alberta Consumer Investigation Unit (CIU) to counter this trend. For more information, see the Service Alberta's Dealing with Door-to-Door Sales tip sheet. If you, or anyone you know, suspect a paving-contractor scam, please report it to your local RCMP detachment:

Parkland - 825-220-7267 - Non-emergency

Drayton valley - 780-542-4456 - Non-emergency

Evansburg - 780-727-4446 - Non-emergency

On March 20, 2024, Parkland County Enforcement Services received a complaint from a resident regarding speeding vehicles in Tomahawk.

Between March 24th and April 1st, 9 violation tickets and 3 written warnings were issued for traffic offences in Tomahawk.

On April 1st, a dodge pickup truck was stopped for doing 103km/h in the posted 50km/h zone along HWY 779 in Tomahawk. Upon further investigation the vehicle was determined to be unregistered and the driver indefinitely suspended. The vehicle was seized and the driver issued summons, a violation ticket and a written warning for the offences.

Evansburg Alberta – On February 13 2024, Evansburg RCMP were conducting proactive patrols in Parkland County when they located a vehicle committing multiple traffic infractions. The RCMP member attempted to stop the vehicle when it fled in a dangerous and erratic manner into on coming traffic. Utilizing RCMP members from Evansburg, Mayerthorpe and White Court the RCMP were able to safely use a tire deflation device to stop the vehicle and apprehend two suspects from the vehicle.

The driver Christopher TAYLOR (30 y/o), who was currently out on 3 separate release orders, as well as being on 1 driving prohibition and 1 firearms prohibition was arrested and charged with :

1. Flight from police;
2. Operation while prohibited;
3. Fail to comply with release order X3;
4. Being in possession of body armour without permit;
5. Forcible Confinement; and
6. Operate motor vehicle without registration and insurance.

The passenger was not charged and has been released from police custody.

Christopher was held for a Judicial Interim hearing, which was held over with his next court appearance set for February 21 2024 in Stoney Plain.

On February 3, 2024 at approximately 12:30 pm an RCMP member was heading West on Hwy 624 and observed an SUV pass in the opposite direction at high speed; radar indicated 182 km/h. Member turned around only to witness the SUV cross Hwy 759 without stopping and continue East on Twp Rd 510. The SUV drove straight across the highway and was airborne for a distance before slamming into the ground and then re-acquiring the road. The member was able to conduct a traffic stop about 1 km East where the driver stopped, likely due to vehicle damage. A 35-year-old male from Saskatchewan was arrested for Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Impaired Driving and transported to cells where he was held for a telephone bail hearing. Charges were added for Resisting a Peace Officer and Mischief due to his extreme behaviour while in custody. He was subsequently released by a Justice of the Peace and the SUV was impounded

Parkland RCMP responded to 1,123 Mental Health Act related calls in 2023. Bell Let’s Talk Day marks the start of a new year to take action in mental health.

We can all create real change by doing one or more of the following:

• Choose a mental health organization to learn about or support

• Help a friend struggling with their mental health by learning how to support them

• Ask about how your school, workplace or community is creating change for mental health

• Nurture your own well-being by practicing and learning mental health strategies

• Get involved in a mental health initiative or organize an event to support mental health

• Engage in conversations about mental health to fight stigma

We are all in this together!

For a list of resources please visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca

If you are in crisis, please go to the closest hospital or call 9-1-1. If you’re thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime.

On December 12, 2023, Parkland County Enforcement Services, along with MADD Parkland Chapter (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) hosted our first Candy Cane Check Stop in Tomahawk.

Joined by Alberta Sheriffs, Parkland County Fire Services, and Tuber Towing we reminded motorists to drive with care and responsibility over the holidays. As we spend time celebrating this season, please make sure you are making safe choices.

Remember:

• Never drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver.

• Always plan ahead if you’re going to be drinking or consuming cannabis/other drugs.

• Call 911 if you see a driver you suspect is impaired.

On October 6th, 2023, Parkland County Enforcement Services assisted Evansburg RCMP with a Joint Force Operation targeting traffic offences on Highway 16 near Highway 22.

Joint Force Operations are an integral part of public safety within Canada. Sharing knowledge and information while building collaborative relationships are essential components of Parkland County Enforcement Services' operations.

On October 13, 2023 RCMP shared information with Parkland County Enforcement Services (PCES) regarding unburied copper wire being stolen from Burtonsville Rd. PCES conducted numerous saturation patrols over the weekend, in an attempt to deter, displace and disrupt criminal activity in the area.

If you have information on this incident or need to report another crime, call your local RCMP detachment.

Parkland County Enforcement Services were recently made aware of nuisance behaviour taking place at the old Seba Beach School on highway 31.In addition to parkland County Peace Officers patrolling to deter, disrupt and displace this nuisance behaviour, Parkland Citizens on Patrol have also agreed to patrol the school and surrounding area.

If you're interested in learning more about Parkland Citizens on patrol, or if you are interested in helping them patrol your own neighbourhood, please email parklandcop@gmail.com or call Candy at 780-686-3469.

Are you an adult who is concerned about your community's safety and security?

Alberta Citizens On Patrol Association - Parkland Citizens On Patrol are actively recruiting volunteers throughout Parkland County

- Crime Prevention

- Community Involvement

- Teamwork

- Networking and Relationship Building

Contact Parkland Citizens On Patrol 780-686-3469 or parklandcop@gmail.com for more information, or use our Questions tool above.