Positive Ticketing Program

The Town of Stony Plain , City of Spruce Grove and Parkland County  are implementing the Positive Ticketing Program in the Tri-Municipal Region for a second consecutive year.

Launched as a pilot project in 2011, the success of the last year’s program inspired organizers to run it again in 2012.

The Positive Ticketing Program is a proactive initiative that helps establish and nurture trusting relationships and enhance communication between local authorities, young people, area businesses and residents. The intent is to foster good citizenship among youth by legitimately reinforcing positive behaviours and decision-making skills by offering something in value.

Youth “caught” engaging in positive behaviours, demonstrating community pride or practising personal safety by local caring enforcement services personnel will be issued “citations” - vouchers redeemable for admission to local recreational activities or community facilities, coupons to local restaurants and other services or programs – all of which have been donated or subsidized by regional sponsors.

A joint-venture between the three municipalities, the Positive Ticketing Program is spearheaded by a local committee, which is comprised of representation from each local government administration, the Spruce Grove/Stony Plain RCMP Detachment, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and the Community Policing Advisory Committee.

This year, 650 “tickets” will be distributed – up 50 from last year; four new sponsors are participating in this year’s program. Each sponsor has donated 50 coupons or gift certificates, with the exception of North Central Co-op, which has contributed 50 coupons each for coffee and slushees.

“We know that there are many more positive than negative acts that occur in our communities, and this program is a means to work together to accentuate, celebrate and recognize those positives,” said Officer Tiffany Anderson, community peace officer supervisor with the Town of Stony Plain. “A positive ticket is another chance to reward those residents who put safety as a top priority in their community. This program also helps reduce the negative stigma that enforcement officers often have. We want people to think of us as approachable and to know we are here to help.”

“Based on the success and popularity of the program last year, we’re excited to have it return for another summer,” said Sgt. Jason Starchuk of the City of Spruce Grove enforcement services. “Our peace officers are looking forward to the opportunity to interact with residents in a positive manner. This program also complements our Safe City initiative, which promotes both personal and community safety.”

While the primary benefactors of this program are youth, the project extends to the broader public in all three communities. Randy Shermack, supervisor of bylaw services with Parkland County, provided some examples of the kind of habits County peace officers will be looking to recognize in area residents.

“There are many instances where we will recognize a youth showing positive practices, but we also try to reward adults, too,” said Shermack. “If we come across someone who is walking his or her dog, and that dog has a leash and its Parkland County license attached to the collar, or if we see someone riding his or her bike and wearing a helmet and obeying road rules, we will recognize that. We also do roadside inspections, looking to see if a vehicle operator has a child seat in the vehicle, it is installed correctly and that the child is properly fastened in the seat. These are a few instances where we would issue a positive ticket to both youth and adults.”

Variations of positive ticketing programs have been successfully implemented in several other Canadian jurisdictions, including Grande Prairie and Richmond and Kelowna in BC. Noted benefits include reduction in juvenile crime, negative behaviours and associated costs; strengthened self-esteem and morale among youth; and improved community relations between youth and area businesses, local law enforcement, municipalities, neighbours and other local partners.

About the Tri-Municipal Region

The Tri-Municipal Region consists of the Town of Stony Plain, the City of Spruce Grove and Parkland County. The three municipalities work together to collaborate on major initiatives designed to enhance service and improve the quality of life for their residents.