Latest news with #municipalpolice
CBC
27-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Province announces additional $7 million for Grande Prairie policing transition
The Alberta government is earmarking an additional $7 million in funding for Grande Prairie to establish its own municipal police force, bumping the province's total contribution up to nearly $17 million. The city decided to phase out the RCMP and create its own municipal police force in 2023. The funding announced Tuesday builds on the initial commitment from the Alberta government of $9.7 million over two years. "It's crucial that the community has the resources needed to sustain this momentum and continue laying the groundwork for the Grande Prairie Police Service," said Minister of Public Safety Mike Ellis at the announcement in Grande Prairie Tuesday. The total estimated cost for the transition is about $19 million, which is expected to take five years. The funding will help with projected start-up costs that include building the new service, salaries, benefits, recruitment, equipment and training. "By removing some of this financial pressure, we're we're helping to ensure that the Grande Prairie Police Service is well positioned to succeed as the primary police of jurisdiction for this city in 2026," said Ellis. Municipal police to cost less than RCMP, city says According to an analysis presented to the city in October, the new police service is expected to cost the city less than the RCMP. The analysis was based on the plan to have 110 officers serving in its own city police force by 2028. The RCMP contract projections were for 100 officers. The anticipated cost savings for the GPPS between 2024 and 2028 range from $742,380 in 2026 to $2,739,819 in 2027. In total, the anticipated cost savings are more than $8 million, though that number includes millions in provincial grant money. Once provincial funding through the Grande Prairie Police Service grant agreement ends, the city will absorb all operational costs. The transition remains on budget and on schedule, officials said. "These funds are a key component of our continued progress and success for the transition," said Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton. "Through our multi-year funding formula, we're able to ensure one-time circuit costs are funded, remain on budget, and set up for success while demonstrating action and accountability for this transition." According to the Grande Prairie Police Service, it has hired 50 officers in the 21 months since the transition began. The full transition away from the RCMP will be in place by 2028.
CTV News
27-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Municipal police force in Grande Prairie almost halfway to officer recruitment goal
Grande Prairie Police Service Chief Dwayne in his office in Grande Prairie, Alta., Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fakiha Baig GRANDE PRAIRIE — A northern Alberta city replacing the RCMP with its own municipal police force says it is nearly halfway to its officer recruitment target. Chief Dwayne Lakusta from the Grande Prairie Police Service says 50 officers have been hired since the transition began in 2023 and the service's goal is to reach 110. The Alberta government is providing the force with an additional $7 million, bringing the province's overall contribution to nearly $17 million. The government says the full estimated cost of the transition is $19 million. Lakusta says he's grateful for the additional funding, which will be used to purchase vehicles, a records management system and other necessary software technology. He says the new force is on track to be fully established by next fall. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 27, 2025. The Canadian Press
CTV News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Sault Ste. Marie considering switch to provincial police
With the municipal police budget representing 27 per cent of the Sault Ste. Marie budget, city council is considering a switch to using provincial police.
