An RCMP quarterly report indicates that Jasper saw a decrease in crime in this year’s first quarter compared to the first quarter of 2023.
Jasper Municipal Council accepted the report as information during its Tuesday meeting.
According to the report, the total number of criminal offences went from 95 to 65 incidents, a 29 per cent decrease.
Persons crime decreased 48 per cent (27 to 14 incidents), property crime increased 10 per cent (40 to 44 incidents) and other criminal code incidents decreased 68 per cent (28 to nine incidents).
This continues a trend seen over the past few years, with total criminal offences going from 452 incidents in all of 2022 to 361 incidents in all of 2023, a 20 per cent decrease.
CAO Bill Given warned that conclusions shouldn’t be hastily drawn as COVID could have caused a spike in certain offences.
Total traffic offences dropped 15 per cent, going from 388 to 330 incidents.
Motor vehicle collisions decreased 32 per cent, going from 44 to 30 incidents.
Coun. Ralph Melnyk speculated that the overall decrease may have to due with the overall police presence deterring criminal activity.
Some councillors noted the spike for incidents under the Mental Health Act, going from 11 in 2023 Q1 to 22 in 2024 Q1, a 100 per cent increase.
More broadly, there was a 69 per cent increase from 2020 to 2024.
Mayor Richard Ireland noted that Mental Health Act incidents may not necessarily be criminal activity.
Administration said it would follow up with the detachment regarding this statistic.
Compliance deposit waiver
Council requested Parks Canada waive or modify its compliance deposit requirement for the Connaught Affordable Housing project.
This was done to support affordable housing development within Jasper.
Compliance deposit fees are equal to 15 per cent of the construction value for the first $100,000 and five per cent on the balance.
The compliance deposit is held by Parks Canada and returned with interest upon project completion.
The compliance deposit fee for the Connaught Project is estimated at $967,000.
Administration noted that many municipalities waive compliance deposit requirements to help facilitate more affordable housing.
The Municipality of Jasper has no authority over land use and planning, however, meaning it must ask Parks Canada to waive the fee.
Council also requested that Parks Canada review the potential to establish an ongoing program to waive or modify other fees and levies to support affordable housing projects in general.
Reallocation of funds
Council authorized the reallocation of $22,000 from the road repair capital budget to purchase a used 1.5-ton smooth drum roller and trailer.
Administration said the municipal operations department could use this piece of equipment for functions such as landscaping, road repairs, concrete base preparation and sports field repairs.
“With the addition of this equipment, minor in-house repairs and service intrusions could be paved with hot-mix asphalt using our existing staff,” administration stated.
“The addition of this compactor/roller to the Municipality’s fleet will offer an improved level of service while reducing incurred rental and contractor expenses.”
