COLD LAKE – MLA Scott Cyr will be meeting with the board of the Cold Lake Ag Society later this month to address concerns about crime after the Society’s hall was twice targeted by thieves earlier this year.
Cold Lake Ag Society President Jay Cory provided Lakeland This Week with a copy of the letter the society sent to Cyr following the second break in.
“Despite our ongoing and proactive measures to protect our property, including the employment of private security, the installation of surveillance systems, and active collaboration with local bylaw enforcement, we continue to face persistent break-ins, acts of violence and vandalism. Our grounds have also seen a rise in unauthorized encampments. Although enforcement actions are taken, individuals often return shortly afterward, creating a costly and frustrating cycle,” reads the letter.
According to Cory, the incidents have caused a serious financial strain for the society with one of the break ins resulting in a loss of $50,000 of camera equipment used to project live events like their Bull-a-Rama on to larger screens for people with visual impairments.
“We're going to find out [if the insurance will cover the replacement] I guess. And then even if it is we’ve got a $2,500 deductible,” said Cory.
He said they also needed to make repairs to the phone lines and the garage door as both were damaged by the thieves during the break ins.
“We're just kind of barely keeping afloat. We can't really do any fixing up,” said Cory.
In the letter, the organizationon says the incidents are “seriously threatening” their ability to continue hosting events like rodeos, weddings, funerals, 4H activities and charitable events like Skijoring for MS.
“In recent months, guests and volunteers have reported feeling unsafe due to incidents involving individuals wandering the property with weapons, shouting aggressively, and breaking into vehicles, even during scheduled events. As a direct result, bookings are declining, and our operations are at risk,” reads the letter.
MLA to meet with Ag Society
In an e-mailed response, Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr called the problem a direct result of the federal government’s Bill C-75, which made numerous changes to Canada’s criminal code and the bail system.
“While this is a federal policy failure, I’ve been working directly with the Minister of Public Safety and Deputy Premier Mike Ellis, to strengthen enforcement capacity at the provincial level,” said Cyr.
“This includes expanding the role of Alberta Sheriffs in Cold Lake to support local RCMP and provide an added law enforcement presence. I’ve also been advocating for enhanced mental health and addictions services in Cold Lake—because many repeat offenders are struggling with complex addiction issues that require both enforcement and treatment to truly resolve,” said Cyr.
Cyr said he has made tentative plans to meet with the Cold Lake Ag Society in mid-May, citing legislative duties as the reason for the delay.
