The Drumheller RCMP conducted an investigation into child sexual interference allegations which has resulted in charges laid against a 21-year-old Drumheller man.

On June 19, 2017 Drumheller RCMP received a complaint from a parent against a local daycare worker at a daycare facility in Drumheller. A thorough investigation involving the Sheldon Kennedy Centre in Calgary and the RCMP Major Crimes Unit has resulted in charges being laid. Once an investigation was initiated, two other victims were identified, each involving a different offence date.

Anthony Piecowye has been charged with three counts each of sexual assault and sexual interference. He has been released with conditions and is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court of Alberta in Drumheller on September 22, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.

The identities, including the ages and sex of these young victims, will not be disclosed by the RCMP. These charges are now before the courts and further information will not be made available.

If you have information about this investigation, please call the Drumheller RCMP at 403-823-7590 or call your local police detachment.  If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS.

Minister of Seniors and Housing, Lori Sigurdson paid a visit to the Sunshine Lodge on August 17.

A summer tour was created to let the Minister seek opinions straight from the people who live in the senior housing system.

“It’s just an opportunity to really connect with residents and it’s really important for me as the minister to make sure I meet directly with seniors to hear from them about their concerns or answer their questions and certainly it’s a pleasure to be doing it,” said Minister Sigurdson.

Many projects will be underway in the next five years as proposals are created by the community before being evaluated by the government. Their plan is to create new places to live as well as renovate older buildings for the elderly as demand increases.

“Our government has committed 1.2 billion dollars to increase the capacity and support existing facilities all across our province. That’s four times more than the previous government's action plan so rest assured, our government has a strong commitment to making sure that people can age in communities close to family and friends where they want to be,” Sigurdson explained.

As a whole, the Minister enjoyed her visit getting to know the residents.

“I appreciate being so warmly welcomed by the seniors, and the staff who work here. As I said, this is a really fun part of my job to be able to get into the communities and meet directly with seniors,” Sigurdson highlighted.