Community Safety Committee approved by Town Council

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

After much discussion at their September 27 meeting, Pincher Creek Town Council approved the formation of a Community Safety Committee, tasked with developing a strategy to deal with panhandling, addictions, and vagrancy issues in Pincher Creek.


"I don't see there is one specific outcome of this other than finding ways to address the concerns," said Councilor Sahra Nodge during the discussions. Family and Community Support Services co-ordinator  David Green was present and asked to share his point of view.  "The committee needs to undertake a lot of research," he said, "including revisiting some  of the past recommendations that haven't been followed through on. We need to find out what from the past is still pertinent.  It can't evolve overnight," he continued.  Mayor Ernie Olsen said "Maybe we should wait until budget discussions to deal with this."  Green disagreed.  "I think we have some momentum among our partners," he said.  I don't want to lose that momentum."
During the discussions Mayor Olsen indicated he "would see no problem with the MD of Pincher Creek being involved."
"In 2001 there were 14 members on the policing committee, including 3 urban aboriginal members," said Green.  "If council wanted broader representation I would be in favor of it."

The proposed ideal committee would include one representative from each of the following:

• Town of Pincher Creek Council
• Municipal District of Pincher Creek Council
• Piikani First Nations Chief and Council
• RCMP Pincher Creek detachment
• RCMP Brocket detachment
• Pincher Creek Downtown Merchants Association
• Pincher Creek Chamber of Commerce
• A "Citizen at Large"

and would also include two advisory members:

• Pincher Creek Bylaw Enforcement
• Piikani First Nations Elder

Councilor Nodge suggested a Quorum be acceptable for the new committee to function, which was approved.

Councilor Don Anderberg volunteered to represent Town Council on the committee, and was appointed by Council for that role.