The task force preparing Fort Macleod's bid for a new provincial police college is racing the clock.

   The task forced struck by town council has just three weeks to finalize the comprehensive bid package that will accompany its response to the provincial government's request for proposals for land procurement by Dec. 15.

   "We have a very energetic and ambitious group," Mayor Shawn Patience said. "I think our efforts are focusing."

   Patience was reporting Nov. 14 to council on the work undertaken by the volunteer task force for what is the second step in a three-step bid process.

   The province plans to build a college in Alberta to deliver basic training each year to 350 to 400 police officer recruits and 1,000 peace officer recruits. The college will also offer in-service training and continuing education each year for an estimated 1,200 police and peace officers.

   "It is a very daunting task," Patience said of compiling the information to support the bid. "It is a big document."

   The province has indicated it wants the college built on a single site on 320 acres in one community. The Town of Fort Macleod has identified a location on the southeast corner that meets the size requirement.

   "The task force is moving along nicely," Patience told council. "I've had a lot of support from people asking what can they do to help."

   The bid will be evaluated on such criteria as the land and its location, cost and servicing, community engagement, community facilities and amenities and the quality and creativity of the submission.

   "Everyone has a piece they are working on," Patience said of the task force.

   Letters were sent last week to local groups and organizations requesting information on how they will engage staff and students from the police college to make them feel at home in Fort Macleod.

   "We can't answer that question," Patience said of the committee. "We need the groups to answer that for us. I hope we get a good response."

   Task force members include Mayor Shawn Patience, economic development officer Gordon MacIvor, Coun. Mike Bourassa, Coun. Christine Trowbridge, Stasha Donahue, Ronda Reach, Mike Harris, Harley Bastien, Bernadette and Dave McNab and Frank McTighe.