The Alberta Sheriffs have closed a residential property in Ponoka following repeated complaints and ongoing concerns about suspected illegal activity.

The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit of the Alberta Sheriffs began investigating the property at 4011 45A Street in October 2024 after residents reported a high volume of people coming and going at all hours. Community members described activity consistent with suspected drug use and raised concerns about crime and disorder affecting the surrounding neighbourhood.

During the investigation, police and other first responders were repeatedly called to the property for incidents including reports of home invasions, violent assaults, stabbings, overdoses, fires and thefts.

In January 2025, SCAN issued a warning letter to the property owner, which temporarily reduced disruptive activity. However, complaints resumed in May, prompting SCAN to reopen the investigation and pursue court action.

Last month, the Court of King’s Bench granted SCAN’s application for a community safety order, prohibiting all individuals, including the owner, from occupying the home for 90 days. Beginning March 18 at noon, the property will be boarded up and fenced off, and all locks will be changed. SCAN members will continue to monitor the property for compliance while the investigation remains ongoing.

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services said "I’m grateful to the Ponoka residents who refused to stay silent and the SCAN team for their tireless work in closing this property. This action restores the peace of mind families deserve and serves as a firm warning: if you threaten the safety of our communities with illegal activity, we will shut you down. We are restoring safety to this neighbourhood and sending a clear message: criminal activity that jeopardizes public safety has no place in Alberta."

Andrew Albers, inspector, SCAN said "With this closure, SCAN is addressing a longstanding nuisance and public safety concern in an otherwise peaceful neighbourhood. When residents report problem properties, it allows us to identify issues early and work with our partners to take action and help keep Alberta communities safe.”

Ponoka RCMP gt. Tyler Epp said "Repeated investigations and criminal charges may hold some accountable, however, problem properties can persist. We are happy to support a program that sends these problem residents packing and brings relief to a community.”

The Alberta Sheriffs work with other law enforcement agencies to shut down properties being used for illegal activities. The SCAN unit operates under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, which uses legal sanctions and court orders to hold owners accountable for illegal activity happening on their property.

Quick facts

SCAN began investigating complaints about suspected drug and criminal activity at the property in October 2024.

The home is located near parks, green spaces and sports fields.

Conditions under the community safety order will remain in effect until June 16, 2028.