It has been reported that Headingley RCMP
detachment will be cutting back on highway patrols due to increased gas prices.
Springfield may be short officers due to transfers, etc. Budget
constraints, throughout all detachments, impact municipalities that rely solely
on RCMP for public safety. Citizens often do not receive a timely response to
vandalism, etc. in progress. This is not to fault Springfield RCMP, who do a
great job of handling an array of duties in a very large geographical area, but
they only have so many man hours in their budget.
After attending the Provincial Citizens on
Patrol (COPPS) Conference, it is clear that other municipalities are facing
similar problems. COPPS programs and Neighborhood Watch are on the increase to
compensate for deficiencies. Citizens are the eyes and ears for police, but
should not confront perpetrators. Without available police backup, it's
difficult to retain volunteers who spend sleepless nights patrolling the
municipality.
The R.M. of Springfield is in the process of
hiring a seasonal constable to allow for a night shift. The constable on duty
will work in conjunction with RCMP to ensure they are covering different parts
of the R.M. when patrolling. Calls made after hours to the Public Safety Office,
will be forwarded to the constable's cell phone.
There are mixed views on Council concerning
this issue that may stall the process. There are those who feel that this is
only a concern of Oakbank residents who experienced property damage last year.
Oakbank is a focal point for activity since it's the largest populated centre
with the only high school in Springfield. Youth tend to gravitate to where the
action is. Having said that, other areas also have experienced break-ins and
vandalism. Members of the COPPS program patrol Anola, Dugald, Cooks Creek,
Hazelridge, as well as the golf courses and pits.
Another mindset on Council is that
Springfield only needs a bylaw officer with other law enforcement duties being
left in the hands of the RCMP. I believe that public input is essential in a
democratic process. Whether Springfield residents view his potential new
direction of Council as a positive step or a needless expense, it's important
that they convey their message to their appropriate representative for
direction. After all, Springfield belongs to its citizens. - Karen Lalonde,
Springfield Councillor, Oakbank
Landmark Planning & Design has been hired to
head the project of rezoning in Springfield. This is usually done directly
after passing a development plan. However, better late than never.
Following Landmark's suggestion to form a
citizens committee, Council members were asked to put forward two names of
residents in their ward who may be interested in being part of this process.
The committee consists of 25 members including 6 councillors. The
committee is also composed of a cross section of various shareholders- business,
agriculture, environment, and citizens simply interested in the sustainable
future of Springfield. Consultants and municipal staff serve in a advisory
capacity only. The purpose of the committee is to advise council on local
use planning matters.
The entire process should be completed by
November and ready to present to the community at large Open House early in the
new year.
