ATHABASCA – August was a busy month for Kevin Rowan, the Town of Athabasca’s sole community peace officer. From barking dogs to unregistered ATVs, he responded to 37 calls across the town’s limits.
The back-to-school season also meant Rowan was patrolling the town’s school zones for speeders, and the portable speed signs — the ones that flash your speed as you drive by them — were moved to 50 Street near the old high school, and on the south side of 53 Street.
“We’re at those two locations due to speeding complaints in the area, and I did actually issue several tickets and a warning,” said Rowan.
Out of Rowan’s 37 bylaw incidents last month, the majority occurred under the Nuisance, Untidy, and Unsightly Premises Bylaw. Most common were properties with long grass and weeds, which led to compliance orders being issued.
Another six occurrences came in under the Petty Trespass Act, including a construction worker who was living in a camper while he works on the bridge. Other complaints were about homeless encampments and homeless individuals sleeping at various locations.
The last category that drew in more than one incident was the Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw, which had seven incidents over August. Multiple complaints of cats and dogs running at large were received, with some of the animals being taken to SCARS for safekeeping. A single case of an overly noisy dog was dealt with after Rowan discussed methods of reducing the dogs barking with the owner. No further complaints were received after the discussion.
Traffic violations
Rowan also handled 37 traffic tickets, many of which wound up in court. Of the 37, 48 per cent — 18 tickets — were for exceeding the maximum speed limit, with an additional ticket being handed out for exceeding 30 kilometres an hour in a school zone.
“The fastest speed was 30 km/h over in a 50 km/h zone,” said Rowan.
In the two areas that were monitored by the portable signs — which record speeds, but don’t issue tickets — Rowan said he handed out two tickets for speeding on the old high school hill, and one ticket on 53 Street.
“There was a lot of traffic, but the violations that were there, nothing was outrageous at all,” said Rowan.
