Blackfalds
Town of Blackfalds introduces safe “Exchange Zone” to protect online buyers and sellers
From the Town of Blackfalds
Blackfalds Adopts Exchange Zone
Exchange zones provide a safe way for the public to exchange goods without the need to provide personal information or have strangers come to your home address.
“The need for a public location for exchanges to occur between people is something which has been brought forward in many communities as they grow,” explains Ken Morrison, Emergency Management and Protective Services Manager. “It provides [buyers or sellers] a place to arrange an exchange without having people attending their home.”
Morrison elaborated that the City of Edmonton implemented exchange zones in March of 2020 as there was an increase in online purchases, and consequently, crime in relation to those purchases. “The previous year, Edmonton Protective Services had made 77 arrests and laid 218 charges relating to the face-to-face buying and selling of online items. Internet communities all over [Alberta] have adopted these initiatives in the hopes of keeping people reasonably safe when making in-person exchanges.”
The Blackfalds exchange zone consists of two designated parking stalls and is located in the parking lot in front of the Protective Services building at 4405 South Street.
RCMP Sergeant Brent Dueck said that the location was chosen because of its already established security measures in and around the building and is manned 24 hours a day. “The Protective Services building was chosen as there are security cameras in place and outside lighting along with police officers and Fire Department personnel coming and going all hours of the day and night.”
From Blackfalds RCMP
Blackfalds RCMP execute search warrant seizing drugs and guns
Blackfalds, Alta. – In September of 2024 the Blackfalds RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) with assistance from Sylvan Lake GIS entered into an investigation involving an individual believed to be trafficking drugs in the community. As a result of the investigation, on Oct. 2, 2024, Blackfalds RCMP with assistance from Innisfail RCMP GIS and Red Deer RCMP Police Dog Service executed a search warrant at a home in Blackfalds.
As a result of the search RCMP seized:
- 253 grams of Cocaine
- $3343 in Currency
- 6 firearms
RCMP have arrested and charged Blackfalds resident, Lotus Joan Silver Stalteri-Roberts (25), with:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking;
- Possession of stolen property under $5000;
- Weapons offences (x8).
Stalteri-Roberts was taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody with her next court date set for Oct. 3, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer.
“This investigation saw the effective coordination of different RCMP Detachments and Sections to quickly and safely remove these drugs and guns from our community,” says Staff Sergeant Andrew Allan.
If you have any information about this investigation or about drug trafficking in the Blackfalds area please contact Blackfalds RCMP at 403-885-3333 or submit an anonymous report through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
News release from Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools
RDCRS receives full construction funding for new Kindergarten to Grade 5 school in Blackfalds
On Monday, March 4, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) received full construction funding from the Government of Alberta to construct a new Kindergarten to Grade 5 school in Blackfalds.
“The full construction funding for the new Kindergarten to Grade 5 school in the vibrant growing community of Blackfalds marks a significant milestone in our government’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art education infrastructure for our communities. This investment illustrates our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our students and ensuring they have access to modern, innovative learning environments,” stated MLA for Red Deer North and Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange.
RDCRS appreciates the construction funding provided by the Government of Alberta. Over the past several years, Blackfalds has seen tremendous growth. RDCRS’ current Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 9 school located in Blackfalds, St. Gregory the Great Catholic School, has grown by 64% since its establishment in 2017.
“We are very pleased to receive full construction funding for a new Catholic elementary school in Blackfalds. The funding will allow the division an opportunity to build a much needed new school and meet the learning needs of our Blackfalds students,” said Board Chair Murray Hollman at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools.
The schematic design for the new school has progressed smoothly since RDCRS received design funding from the Government of Alberta in March 2023. The plans look excellent and work is ongoing between Alberta Infrastructure and the Town of Blackfalds to ensure the steps to secure the land in the new development are completed. The land needs to be ready for construction according to the timelines and criteria established in the P3 project.
“We are pleased that the progress achieved thus far has demonstrated the collaborative efforts necessary to warrant this full funding announcement, “ added Board Chair Hollman.
The new school is expected to be ready for occupancy in September 2027.
Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools serves over 10,650 students in 21 schools in Red Deer, Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, Rocky Mountain House, Innisfail, and Olds. It also supports the learning of over 850 students in a Home Education Program. The Division is committed to serving children and parents with a complete offering of learning opportunities delivered within the context of Catholic teachings and within the means of the Division.
Paul Wells: Perhaps Freeland isn’t the victim here. Perhaps it’s Freeland who set Trudeau up
Trudeau’s Liberal Gov’t Tears Itself Apart As It Scrambles To Address Trump’s Tariff Threats
Australian doctor who criticized COVID jabs has his suspension reversed
Freeland Resignation Reaction: Pierre Poilievre Speaks to Reporters in Ottawa
-
Health2 days agoTrump doubles down on using RFK Jr. to study possible link between vaccines and autism
-
Bruce Dowbiggin2 days agoHero Or Villain: How Chrystia Freeland Wears Both Masks
-
Business2 days agoCanadians face massive uncertainly and turbulence in 2025
-
Alberta2 days agoProvince says Alberta family doctors will be the best-paid and most patient-focused in the country
-
COVID-191 day agoFreedom Convoy leader Tamara Lich calls out Trudeau in EU Parliament address for shunning protesters
-
Business2 days agoCanada needs to get serious about securing its border
-
International2 days agoGOP-led House bill allows for future vaccine and mask mandates, international emergency powers
-
Crime2 days agoBiden’s ‘preemptive pardons’ would set ‘dangerous’ precedent, constitutional scholar warns