St. Paul county council recently sought guidance on pressing local issued during a meeting with Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr.
Cyr, who has been visiting his constituency’s municipalities to understand their priorities, met with council to discuss critical topics, including road safety, rural crime, and environmental concerns.
Reeve Glen Ockerman highlighted the urgent need for improvements at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway 41, north of Elk Point. Known for its hazardous conditions, the intersection has seen multiple fatalities, raising significant safety concerns for council members. “It’s such a safety concern,” said Ockerman, expressing frustration that improvements often come only after substantial damage or loss of life. He emphasized that this intersection is a crucial corridor for northeastern Alberta.
MLA Cyr acknowledged the urgency of the issue, noting that other municipalities have voiced similar concerns about the area, referred to locally as “the triangle.” Cyr encouraged the county of St. Paul to collaborate with neighboring municipalities to raft a design and funding plan to present to the province, explaining, “As the MLA, I get the ability to advocate, but something needs to happen.” Cyr emphasized that a clear, well-supported proposal could bolster efforts to secure provincial support for the project.
Councillor Maxine Fodness also raised concerns about declining fish population in local lakes, such as Lottie Lake, where fish stocks have decreased significantly over recent years. Cyr agreed that lake stocking is a priority but noted regulatory delays due to required consultations. He reassured the council that Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen is forming an advisory group to address fish stocking issues in the Lakeland region.
Rural crime also emerged as a major issue during the meeting, with Reeve Ockerman expressing concerns over rising crime rates in the area. MLA Cyr acknowledged that the current criminal justice system’s “catch and release” approach is inadequate for preventing rural crime. While some bail reform measures have been introduced, Cyr emphasized that additional measures are necessary to strengthen the judicial process.
Cyr highlighted the chronic shortage of prosecutors in St. Paul, which has become a “training ground” for new prosecutors who often relocate after gaining experience. The region currently operates with a 30 percents prosecutor shortage, a situation that Cyr says undermines justice efforts in the area.
Addressing addiction, he added, is also critical for reducing rural crime, as many crimes are linked to addiction issues. MLA Cyr spoke of ongoing collaboration with Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis to implement recovery programs aimed at helping those affected by addiction-related issues.
Cyr also noted the recent deployment of two plainclothes surveillance teams by the Alberta Sheriffs to assist police across northern and southern rural Alberta. Although he praised the initiative, he mentioned that the teams have primarily focused on urban areas like Calgary and Edmonton. Cyr stated he would advocate for increased rural support, stressing the importance of enhancing safety and security for residents in the Lakeland region.
The meeting underscored the diverse challenges facing St. Paul and its surrounding areas, as well as the proactive measures council members and MLA Cyr aim to implement. Council members expressed appreciation for Cyr’s involvement, anticipating further action to address these critical community issues.
