The City of Wetaskiwin officially confirmed on April 1, 2026, that there is no formal review or study underway to replace the current Royal Canadian Mounted Police service. This statement was issued to clarify community questions following remarks made by Mayor Joe Branco at his March 18, 2026, State of the Region address, where he suggested the city was exploring the creation of a local police force.
According to the City, the Mayor’s comments regarding a future police force reflected his own personal thoughts on long-term possibilities rather than any established council policy or direction. Officials emphasized that no feasibility studies or public consultation processes have been initiated. Any future changes to how the community is policed would require full deliberation by the City Council and extensive public input.
The conversation around police resources in Wetaskiwin comes as the city faces ongoing financial challenges. The community has recently managed an $800,000 increase in policing costs due to a 24 per cent salary adjustment negotiated for the national police force. Additionally, the local detachment has previously faced staffing pressures, including the expiration of provincial grants that supported supplementary officers.
While the Mayor has previously advocated for other options, such as a 50/50 cost-share pilot project with the Government of Alberta to deploy more sheriffs, the city confirms that the current arrangement remains unchanged. Residents will continue to receive service from the existing police detachments responsible for the city and rural areas.
