Bashaw council has voted to support concerns about staffing shortages at the Bashaw RCMP detachment by sending a letter to RCMP leadership.

The issue was raised through correspondence from the Village of Alix, which was included in the council's June 1 consent agenda. The letter, addressed to RCMP Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux, outlined ongoing concerns about officer shortages serving communities within the Bashaw detachment area.

According to the letter, only two of the detachment's six regular member positions are currently filled. While the village acknowledged assistance from the RCMP's K Division Relief Unit, it said staffing challenges have persisted for an extended period.

“I was shocked to hear that we were relying on 2 active police officers,” stated Deputy Mayor Kyle McIntosh.

Alix council stated that effective community policing relies on officers building local knowledge and relationships within the communities they serve. The letter noted that frequent reliance on relief officers can make it more difficult to maintain that continuity.

The village also pointed out that the detachment's approved staffing complement increased from five officers to six under Alberta's Police Funding Model, but said the detachment has not operated at full strength since the additional position was added.

“If we can fix this, it has to be fixed,” said Coun. Carman Meger.

McIntosh pointed out that the Village of Alix's letter clearly outlined the staffing challenges facing the Bashaw detachment and the impact those shortages can have on rural communities.

Council approved a motion authorizing Mayor Cindy Orom to send a letter to Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux supporting the concerns raised by the Village of Alix and requesting action to restore staffing levels at the Bashaw detachment.