Photo: The Village of Forestburg council renewed its peace officer contract with a neighbouring municipality but voiced interest in perhaps seeing the bylaw officers more often. The resolution was passed at the Mar. 19 regular meeting. Rural Alberta Report/S.Salkeld

The Village of Forestburg council renewed its peace officer contract with a neighbouring municipality but voiced interest in perhaps seeing the bylaw officers more often. The resolution was passed at the Mar. 19 regular meeting.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Dwight Dibben presented councillors with a report on the renewal of peace officer services, including bylaw enforcement, for the village from Flagstaff County. This would include things like un-shovelled snow on sidewalks, uncut grass, unsightly premises, and other infractions related to municipal bylaws.

“Administration has been notified by Flagstaff County that the current peace officer agreement is due to expire on Feb. 28, 2026,” stated Dibben’s report to council.

“An updated agreement has been provided for council to review.

“The terms of the agreement include, but are not limited to, the following: the county agrees to provide services within the designated area, commencing Mar. 1, 2026, and expiring Feb. 28, 2029; the county is entitled to all enforcement revenue; the agreement may be terminated by either party given 30 days’ written notice; and the county shall obtain and maintain insurance during the term.”

Dibben stated councillors had standard options for this item: council may accept the agreement on behalf of the Village of Forestburg for a three-year term commencing Mar. 1, 2026, and expiring Feb. 28, 2029; council may request more information regarding the contract and have it brought back for review at a future meeting; or council may take no action at this time. Dibben noted in his verbal presentation that councillors heard Flagstaff County was interested in renewing the agreement and also stated that the county was offering to renew with any community within its boundaries.

During discussion, councillors voiced no concern over the quality of bylaw enforcement from the Flagstaff County officers.

As councillors talked about bylaw enforcement, Coun. Blaise Young noted a concern he had with traffic on Forestburg’s Main Street. Young observed he was recently parked on Main Street and, while watching traffic, saw several motorists cross the median. Young suggested the peace officers also attend and perhaps give some warning tickets to those motorists.

Coun. Elaine Fossen responded the practice doesn’t seem uncommon. “I have seen that a lot,” said Fossen.

As councillors discussed peace officer presence in Forestburg, they agreed they’ve seen the peace officers in action, but the officers aren’t always in town when peak activity is occurring.

The CAO pointed out Forestburg does not have Traffic Safety Act authority; rather, any traffic offence must be investigated by police. However, the CAO noted that, in his opinion, once a warning ticket is given out for something like crossing the median on Main Street, you don’t see many repeat offenders.

The CAO also clarified the article that stated Flagstaff County keeps all revenue generated from bylaw tickets. Dibben stated Forestburg pays zero dollars for its peace officer service, and in return Flagstaff County keeps all revenue. Councillors acknowledged the peace officer contract has no cost to Forestburg’s taxpayers.

The CAO also stated that traffic lines on Main Street have been repainted recently, and perhaps the public needs to be reminded that crossing the solid line is an infraction.

It was also noted during discussion that in the past some communities paid Flagstaff County for this service, but once payment is involved, then some management or direction is owed, which may explain why the service is offered as it is.

Councillors unanimously agreed to enter into a three-year deal for peace officer service with Flagstaff County.