Message from Deputy Mayor

On July 2, in Calgary, I had the honor of joining Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Public Safety Mike Ellis for a major announcement regarding the creation of the Independent Alberta Police Service, a significant step forward in reshaping how policing is delivered across our province.

Let me begin with this important clarification. No decision has been made by the Town of Hardisty to transition away from the RCMP. As Deputy Mayor, I attended the provincial announcement in Calgary to ensure Hardisty had a voice at the table and to gather firsthand information. As a next step, Council will be meeting with Chief Sat Parhar and members of the newly formed Alberta Police Service board to explore what, if any, options may exist for municipalities like Hardisty. This is not a commitment or endorsement of any change, it is a responsible first step in exploring potential options and gathering the information needed to make an informed decision for our community.

The Independent Alberta Police Service is being positioned as an alternative option, not a forced replacement. It allows municipalities to assess their needs and explore what model fits best, based on service levels, accountability, cost, and community preference. For Hardisty, this means the ability to ask questions, gather facts, and evaluate what is best for our community’s future. That is exactly what we intend to do, responsibly and transparently.

Council will keep our residents informed of ongoing discussions as we continue to evaluate Hardisty’s policing needs. If any future changes to policing in Hardisty are proposed, we will ensure that residents are well informed and given opportunities to ask questions, raise concerns, and understand the facts before any decision is made.

While there is still much work to do, Hardisty stands ready to discuss with Independent Alberta Police Service Chief Sat Parhar what this new provincial policing model can offer our community.

I would like to thank the Hardisty and District Development Group for all the advocating they do for our town to allow us opportunities like this to meet with government officials. I would also like to thank Premier Smith and Minister Ellis for the invite to this important announcement.

Brett Baumgartner - Deputy Mayor