Statement by Mayor Frank
November 7, 2018 - 11:30 a.m.
Thank you for joining us today.
As you know, RCMP and Emergency Services personnel were called out to respond to an incident at our Community Centre last night.
You need to know that the investigation is fluid and active. And, it is under the ownership/direction of the Major Crimes section of K Division. For that reason I am not at liberty to disclose any details of this incident.
What I can tell you:
As a result of this incident, the decision was made to close County facilities, until we can secure the building and confirm the ongoing safety of our citizens and staff.
We asked surrounding facilities to close for the day, to mitigate traffic issues and to give the RCMP room to work. I have to commend our community partners for their quick response and cooperation.
The RCMP Major Crimes Unit is experienced in these investigations, and is deploying experienced resources to deal with any issues that arise.
Strathcona County continues to support their work, and is already planning for how to restore operations once the scene is returned to Strathcona County.
I want to reassure our public that this incident is contained to the community centre and county hall.
We are communicating and will continue to provide updates as information is verified by the RCMP. As such, I would ask people to refrain from speculating on what may or may not be happening, as it is not helpful to the investigation.
Statement by Jeff Hutton,
Director of Strathcona County Emergency Operations Centre
November 7, 2018 - 11:30 a.m.
My name is Jeff Hutton and I am the Director of the Emergency Operations Centre.
I will be providing information relating to how Strathcona County is supporting the work of the RCMP.
Our emergency responders have been working closely with the RCMP to respond to the incident at the Community Centre.
Strathcona County’s Emergency Operations Centre is also up and running since last night.
Our primary objectives include supporting the investigation of the RCMP, protection of public safety, determining the building condition once the RCMP investigation is complete. In the meantime, we are ensuring that core business functions remain available for County residents.
Key staff who work at the Community Centre and County Hall are being accommodated through other working arrangements.
Anyone who has a vehicle in the Community Centre parkade is asked to call Strathcona County at 780-417-7100 to leave their name and contact information so the County can contact them once the vehicles are towed out. Vehicle removal timing is not yet known and will be communicated once confirmed.
We are also appreciative of the support and cooperation of the Elk Island Catholic and Public School Boards who have closed nearby schools to provide RCMP with room to conduct their work. Festival Place also remains closed to keep the area clear for RCMP work.
I’d like to reinforce that we are releasing information as soon as it is confirmed. I’d ask the public to avoid speculating on the details of the incident, as to not interfere with the RCMP investigation. Updates will be posted on Strathcona County’s website at www.strathcona.ca
Thank you.
