Workers board up the detached garage on a problem property closed by SCAN and MHPS on Thursday. The property will be closed until May 21 this year, with restrictions in effect until May 2027.--News Photo Anna Smith
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods unit of Alberta Sheriffs and the Medicine Hat Police Service have shut down a detached garage on a Ross Glen property following complaints of drug activity.
SCAN was first made aware of the issue at 48 Cameron Way in April 2023, says Michael Dirkson, manager for the SCAN unit, reporting a high level of activity to the area, as well as a high level of police activity.
Medicine Hat police chief Al Murphy commented that MHPS had answered to more than 30 calls to the area, from “everything ranging from criminal issues to social disorder and antisocial behaviour,” both on the property and spilling over into the surrounding neighbourhood.
“Investigators began their investigation and quickly substantiated the claims that the complainants were telling us, and in May of 2023 we served a warning letter to the owner of this property,” said Dirkson. While it was the hope that opening communication would help to resolve the issue, and there was initial progress, Dirkson says, poor behaviours ultimately returned to the property.
A total of 19 community complainants came forward throughout the investigation, and SCAN filed for a Community Safety Order in the Court of King’s Bench in January, which was granted.
With the order, the detached garage of the property will be boarded up, fenced and closed to all access for 90 days. The locks will be changed, and all access will be restricted until May 21. In addition, there is a list of individuals who will not be allowed to attend the property for two years.
“We’re hoping that the combination of this garage closure and the individuals that can’t attend this property for two years will stop the activity occurring here and give this community a little bit of a break,” said Dirkson. He expressed gratitude to the members of the community who brought the issue forward, as well as the ongoing support and teamwork from MHPS.
For MHPS, this will allow for frontline.
“This is the culmination of a partnership between us and SCAN, and it’s finally getting shut down to give some peace to that neighbourhood,” said Murphy. “This is a big deal for us, as this took a lot of time for our frontline officers, who have a lot to do, and it’s a big deal for the neighbourhood, who just want to live peacefully. It’s a win on all sides.”
Murphy pointed out that the location is in proximity to two schools and a daycare, and expressed that “together, we have taken significant action towards fostering a safer community.”
SCAN members will continue to monitor the property for activity while their investigation remains ongoing.
In a release from the government of Alberta, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis expressed gratitude to both SCAN and MHPS.
“Let this closure be a message to all drug dealers in the province. You are not welcome here. Full stop. I urge all Albertans to continue reporting suspicious activity in their area,” said Ellis.
