County requests meeting with minister over policing numbers

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on September 17, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Facing increased policing costs and ongoing issues with service, Cypress County moved Tuesday to send a letter requesting discussion with Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis.

There have been several reports of a lack of officers available in the region when required, such as after the county’s peace officer had attempted to pull over an individual who’s involved in criminal activity.

As the county currently pays over $1.4 million in policing costs, this has raised concerns among council, administration and residents in regards to the level of service the region is receiving in exchange for the funds. It was noted that Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright confirmed the government had heard about these concerns to council at an earlier date, but need the associated paper trail.

Council directed administration to draft a letter to be sent to Ellis, with the goal of potentially setting up a meeting to have a conversation regarding the rising costs and lack of associated services. Council added they believe this is not an RCMP issue, only that there are not enough of them locally.

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