The ‘Capture Program’ is a new way for people with Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) set up on their properties and/or businesses to register them with the RCMP. During an investigation, police will canvas neighborhoods for witnesses and CCTV footage.

“All we are doing is asking you to register your cameras and provide some information (name and phone number) so we know where your cameras are at. The idea being that if we have a crime happen near your video cameras we can look at the system and can show us who has video cameras so we can phone you to see if you can check your cameras for us,” explains Staff Sgt. Robert Harms. “This does not give us the ability to tap into your cameras and look at your footage. There’s no privacy issues or invasion issues or anything like that.”

The Capture Program is completely voluntary and one hundred percent confidential. The RCMP will not be able to access or use any CCTV footage without the permission of the owner.

To register your cameras go to ruralalbertacapture.ca and create an account.

Starland County is one step closer to passing its new Land Use Bylaw.
A Land Use Bylaw is required for a municipality and is a zoning rulebook that sets building and development regulations for municipalities in Alberta. A LUB regulates what land can be used for and what size and type of buildings are allowed.
The county has held public information sessions as well as the required Public Hearing. Along the way, the county has made revisions based on information and public response. Prior to the Second reading, several amendments were made by the council. Reeve Steve Wannstrom said many were clerical and better-defined land uses. One change is that “All content regarding SMRs and Nuclear Reactor Facilities be removed from Bylaw 1196.”
The last Land Use Bylaw was passed in 2017, and according to its document package, “since that time the province has significantly changed provincial legislation and the LUB needs to be updated to align with those changes. Additionally, the province directed all municipalities look at ways to reduce “red tape”. Draft revisions are believed to reduce red tape in the Land Use Bylaw while allowing more development opportunities for landowners and citizens.”
The second reading passed at the December 13 meeting and it is slated for third reading at the February 28 meeting.