MD supports Macleod bid for police college

ROB VOGT GAZETTE CONTRIBUTOR

As the province inches closer to choosing a site for its police and peace officer training centre, the MD of Willow Creek has reaffirmed its support for a bid from Fort Macleod.    At the July 19 meeting Coun. Phil Wakelin presented a letter from Shawn Patience, mayor of Fort Macleod, seeking council's continued support.    "The importance of this proposal to our community and region cannot be understated," wrote Patience. "We believe it would be a much-needed economic boost for our community and indeed all of Southern Alberta."    Patience went on to express his appreciation to those who previously supported the bid and welcomed additional written support.    Patience also strongly encouraged representatives from the area to attend a site visit on July 25 by the committee of MLAs making the decision.    "This is without question the most important proposal our community has ever put forth, but we cannot win this alone, we need your help, we need to show the regional importance of this proposal in southern Alberta," stated Patience.    Council had sent a letter of support after its Nov. 9, 2005 meeting and passed a motion on July 19 to send another letter with copies going to each MLA on the committee.    "They're looking for as many of us to show up as possible," Wakelin said.    Coun. Ed Neufeld, Earl Hemmaway, Wakelin and chief administrative officer Cynthia Vizzutti also indicated their intentions to attend the site visit.