Fort Macleod is the right place for the Alberta police college, according to Macleod MP Ted Menzies.
The town’s connection to the North West Mounted Police is one of the key reasons the $100-million college should be built in southwestern Alberta.
“I’m sure everyone has talked about the historical connection, the historical reasoning for having it there,” Menzies said. “Why not continue the history the North West Mounted Police started?”
Menzies, who is in his second term as MP for the Macleod riding, sent a letter of support for the Town of Fort Macleod’s bid.
Although the police college is not connected to the federal government, the Conservative MLA from Claresholm didn’t hesitate to support Fort Macleod.
“I think this would be a great thing for Fort Macleod,” Menzies said. “Fort Macleod has got the support of every community I have talked to.”
Factors weighing in favour of Fort Macleod’s bid include the town’s location at the intersection of Highways 2 and 3, and its proximity to both Lethbridge and Calgary.
Menzies said the impact of the police college being built in Fort Macleod on the southern part of his riding can’t be overestimated.
“The bottom line is the jobs,” Menzies said of the 70 to 100 permanent jobs to be created by the college. “We’re always looking for something to stimulate jobs in the rural region.” Menzies also said “it’s no secret” Fort Macleod needs a project like the $100-million college to stimulate economic growth.
“This is pretty important to the Town of Fort Macleod,” Menzies said. “This would be a stimulant to get things going.”
Menzies said the spin-off businesses needed to support the college, its employees and the 1,500 recruits who would come through each year would also benefit Fort Macleod and district.
Neighbouring towns and cities will benefit as well, as college employees and recruits travel to the mountains for skiing and other recreation, or to Lethbridge for shopping.
“It will keep the quality of life rural and high,” Menzies said. “The two go hand-in-hand.”
Menzies also likes Fort Macleod as a site for the college because it allows people from the Piikani and Blood First Nations to get training while living in their home communities.
