The Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17 is demanding better communication from the Athabasca RCMP after a major police investigation left a local community fearing for its safety.
During the regular council meeting on Aug. 10, local politicians expressed intense frustration over how police handled public notifications after a 12-year-old Edmonton boy’s body was discovered in Calling Lake on Aug. 6.
Councillor Darlene Jackson brought the issue to the council table. She stated that the complete lack of official information from the police created unnecessary panic. She noted that residents had no idea if there was an active threat in the area, or if they needed to lock their doors.
“I was a little bit concerned about that incident in Calling Lake,” Jackson said. “There was no indication if the community was at risk.”
Jackson explained that without a prompt official statement or a direct warning from the local detachment, rumours began to spread quickly through unofficial channels.
Another councillor pointed out that while the tragic discovery eventually made regional news headlines, those initial broadcast reports entirely failed to mention if the broader community should be on high alert.
“Better communication with the RCMP in Athabasca would have been nice,” Jackson said. “At least tell the members of the community that it is not an issue they should be worried about, just for public safety.”
Administration agreed with the council’s concerns. They noted that when major incidents happen, the police need to immediately notify the municipality’s leadership—such as the reeve or the chief administrative officer—so the local government can assist with keeping people safe.
An administration member noted that a simple message from police confirming there is no risk to the public would stop residents from relying on the “Moccasin Telegraph.” The staff member explained that a quick update prevents people from racing to the active crime scene to see what is going on, which can easily interfere with a police investigation.
Jackson highlighted the emotional toll it takes on local families when they are left in the dark during a heavy, unexplained police presence.
“My grandson is around 12, I cannot imagine how devastating it is,” Jackson said, expressing her deep sympathy for the families involved and the general anxiety felt by the rural community.
To fix the ongoing communication breakdown, council agreed to take direct action to repair their relationship with the local police force.
Administration told council they will draft a formal letter to the local RCMP sergeant to officially voice their concerns. Furthermore, the municipality plans to set up a face-to-face meeting with police leadership in the coming weeks.
During that meeting, the local government hopes to establish a strict, dependable notification protocol. Councillors want a guarantee that the RCMP will immediately contact the municipality whenever there is a major incident. This would allow the local government to safely advise residents to avoid certain areas, or quickly reassure the public that the community is secure.
Armaan Khanna
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter