The Town of Bonnyville received the latest update from Wanda Tomm, Bonnyville peace officer.
The report was created on Oct. 29 from Nov. 2023 to Nov. 2024.
There were 732 files created for service and complaints based on complaints or proactive patrols.
“Since 2022, we have seen over 1,900 files cross the (community peace officer) CPO desk, this year alone to date, we are at 732 plus the majority being unsightly (property bylaw) and animal control as I mentioned and traffic matters,” said Tomm.
She says the number of files continues to climb.
“I just ran the stats again today since I did this report it was 762 files,” said Tomm.
The files were broken down into specifics to show what files were being responded to.
Of the total 732 files, 151 were animal control bylaw, 79 traffic bylaw, 175 unsightly property bylaw, 54 garbage bylaw, 13 noise bylaw, 106 other/traffic safety, eight fire bylaw, one transportation of dangerous goods, 48 petty trespass act, 44 miscellaneous, seven gaming and liquor/ cannabis, four motor vehicle collision, two business licensing, 33 criminal code/assist public and request for assistance and seven found property.
There were some important animal control investigations to note.
“Some animal control investigations important to note, dog found deceased by being exposed to the sun and the heat. RCMP and Alberta SPCA got involved as well,” said Tomm. “We had an incident where some pigeons were living in the roof of a house, pigeons are a prohibited animal in Bonnyville.”
The pigeons were not domesticated rather they were living in the eaves of the house. The homeowner complied and closed it off so the pigeons could no longer nest there.
There was also a dog picked up with old scars from wounds, a dog surrendered by owners, two cats found dead on the roadway, two aggressive dogs who have been deemed restricted and several dogs picked up at large.
Portable speed signs were also deployed over the summer before they were pulled in so they wouldn’t get damaged over the winter.
In 2024, 127 tickets and warnings have been issued to date.
“Tickets and warnings issued, 127, but as of today 134. Numerous verbal warnings and letters issued, as we all know I like education first,” said Tomm.
“There’s a lot of time spent on bylaw complaints, so traffic time is sometimes limited. I did get vehicles passing school buses with the lights flashing, cellphone, speeding, no license, etc.,” said Tomm.
She also spent time in the community attending a variety of events. Events and community involvement include the bike rodeo at the Ohana Centre, blanket ceremony, ice cream vouchers, Truth and Reconcilation procession, Halloween safety and reading to kids at Ohana, Christmas and July 1 parades and FCSS back to school clothing drive. Tomm will be spending some Wednesday afternoons at the library.
“I forgot to put that in there but positive ticketing,” said Tomm.
Kids got the chance to take part in a colouring contest with a chance to win a $10 Dairy Queen gift card, colouring pencils, markers, crayons and a large sketchbook.
There is a new crest that incorporates the new Town of Bonnyville branding and is present on the peace officer’s vehicle and uniform.
Tomm also helped in adding over 200 treat bags to the Halloween pumpkins. She was also present for the Remembrance Day service at Duclos School on Nov. 8.
“Myself and a constable from the RCMP both laid wreaths for that event,” said Tomm.
There was a large community clean-up regarding an unsightly property.
“Property had numerous complaints over two and a half years, a great response from the neighbours and community about this clean up,” explained Tomm.
There have been some homelessness and squatter issues Tomm has dealt with.
“Our homelessness and squatter issues, I mean, compared to other places, I don’t think it’s quite as bad,” she explained. “We did have some issues where some squatters and homelessness were happening and structures that were found.”
A picture of the structures was shown from the agenda to council.
“There’s a couple of pictures, these were both on town-owned property and fall under the petty trespass act,” said Tomm. “The structure that was in the trees is east of town and was an ongoing issue for both myself and the RCMP.”
She says neither of the structures that were shown currently exist.
A Solicitor General audit of the CPO program was conducted. A comment was made following the audit.
“You set the bar for organization and efficiency as a lone peace officer. Thanks again for being well-organized as it assists the audit process that allows the review process to flow well,” read the comment.
During a question-and-answer period, with over 700 files, it was asked if Tomm was at max capacity.
“I’m pretty busy,” she replied.
Coun. Phil Kushnir provided some supporting words for the lone peace officer.
“Just wanted to say kudos on your audit by the solicitor general, I know I’m on the committee of policing and I know your boss was saying great things about that,” said Kushnir. “the solicitor general has not seen someone to do it, especially a one-person crew. So kudos to you, you’re doing a great job and we appreciate it.”
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