The Town of Blackfalds responds to Retroactive RCMP cost update

Blackfalds, Alberta (May 17, 2023)– The Town of Blackfalds responded today to the federal government’s disappointing decision to pass unbudgeted and unaccounted-for costs on to municipalities.Despite months of municipal advocacy led by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), provincial-territorial associations, and local leaders across Canada, the federal government has indicated in the most recent federal budget it will not be meeting the request to absorb the retroactive costs associated with the latest RCMP collective bargaining agreement.The federal budget, announced on March 28, further confirmed that communities across Canada that depend on RCMP services for local policing, including the Town of Blackfalds, are expected to cover these costs—a decision falling short of the call from municipalities to absorb the costs fully,Town of Blackfalds Mayor Jamie Hoover shared his disappointments with the decision, although reiterating that the Town has a great relationship with the RCMP.“Although the Town of Blackfalds greatly values its relationship with the RCMP and the service that they provide to our community, we are disappointed in the process that led us to this stage that many municipalities feel left us without a voice in a decision that greatly impacts our residents, as well as those RCMP officers that work within our area,” he shared.“The police who serve us have an increasingly difficult and dangerous job in an environment where there are some concerns of systemic problems and lack of transparency, making it even more important for them to build trust and cooperation with the public, and this negotiation, unfortunately, did little to help that growth. We will continue to build our good relationship at the community level with our RCMP detachment but will continue to advocate to the Federal government for more inclusion at the highest levels in the future,” added Hoover.According to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, local governments were not at the table during the budget negotiations. And while cost estimates were provided to some municipalities, these turned out to be far below the final agreement’s increase over six years, with retroactive pay going back to 2017. The cost to the Town of Blackfalds associated with these retroactive payments is expected to be $255,550.09.This decision is an example of a federal commitment that profoundly impacts municipalities, without municipalities being properly consulted or involved. Municipal governments are paying a growing share of policing costs but cannot run deficits and have limited revenue tools.FCM has clearly reiterated the need for municipalities to be actively involved in any future processes regarding contract policing, calling this recent decision unacceptable. This is a position supported in full by the Town of Blackfalds.For additional information, please contact:Jamie HooverMayor of Blackfalds403.755.7750jhoover@blackfalds.caJustin de BresserInterim Chief Administrative Officer403.885.4677jdebresser@blackfalds.caFCM Media Relations613.907.6395media@fcm.ca

E-Scooters return to Blackfalds!

Blackfalds, Alberta (May 11, 2023)– Neuron Mobility will be bringing e-scooters back to Blackfalds for an 18-month pilot program beginning May 15, 2023, after Council approved the partnership between them and the Town of Blackfalds during the April 25 Regular Council Meeting.Mayor Jamie Hoover is one of many Blackfalds residents excited to see the return of e-scooters.“The Town of Blackfalds is happy to welcome electric scooters back to our community. After only a few weeks late last summer, into the fall, it was clear that residents and visitors in Blackfalds enjoyed this new way of getting around town, and I was one,” Hoover said. “I look forward to seeing the many safe and happy faces scooting around Town!”Neuron approached the Town after Roll Technologies announced they would no longer be able to provide services.Economic Development Officer Jason Baranec explained that e-scooters are not only a new-age form of transportation but an economic advantage for local communities.“The economic spinoff encouraged by e-scooter use is quite impressive! Neuron’s research from Canadian cities has shown an average of $27 is spent in the local business community by Neuron riders per E-scooter trip,” Baranec shared. “This same report found that an average of $11,300 were spent at local businesses each year by Neuron riders per e-scooter deployed. We encourage all our residents to take advantage of this novel way of travel and to support local!”Like Roll, users will control the scooters via the app, have slow and no-ride zones, and will only be available to those 16 years and older. However, unique to Neuron, the scooters will come equipped with lockable helmets, as safety is essential for Neuron, shared Ankush Karwal, Head of Market for Canada at Neuron Mobility."Safety is our top priority; it dictates our e-scooter design and also the way we operate them. Our vehicles are jam-packed with cutting-edge safety features, and we know from experience in other cities that riders really appreciate this. We look forward to partnering with the Town of Blackfalds to make a positive impact on the community through greater access to safe, smart, and sustainable travel options,” said Karwal.The trial program will be at no cost to the Town of Blackfalds. For more information on using the scooters or FAQs, please visit www.blackfalds.ca/p/e-scooters.For additional information, please contact:Jamie HooverMayor of Blackfalds403.755.7750jhoover@blackfalds.caShelby CraigMarketing & Communications Team Lead403.885.6241scraig@blackfalds.ca

Blackfalds Temporary Road Closure

Blackfalds, Alberta (March 28, 2023)– The Town of Blackfalds will again close a portion of Broadway Avenue to prevent unnecessary road degradation.Broadway Avenue north from Aspen Lakes Boulevard to slightly south of Township Road 40-0 will be closed starting Monday, April 3, and remain so until May 1, weather dependent.Once the road has sufficient time to dry and more material has been added and graded, it will be re-opened. Motorists are requested to use Highway 2A for the time being. Access will be given to local traffic only (i.e., directly affected residences only), and the Town will notify the public once the road has been reopened.If you see unsafe or dangerous road conditions, you are encouraged to contact the Town.For more information:Preston WeranDirector of Infrastructure and Property ServicesTown of Blackfalds403.885.6242pweran@blackfalds.comJustin de BresserDirector of Corporate ServicesTown of Blackfalds403.885.6238jdebresser@blackfalds.ca