Police service officially replaces RCMP in northern Alberta city

New police service in Alberta city replaces RCMP
New police service in Alberta city replaces RCMP
An RCMP shoulder patch is seen in Toronto, on Monday, July 27, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan
Writer

A new police service has officially taken the reins from the Mounties in a northwestern Alberta city.

The Grande Prairie Police Service said the RCMP is no longer responding to calls coming from within city limits starting Wednesday.

The service said it has completed its transition into becoming the city's official police force two years ahead of schedule.

It said the city's roughly 71,000 residents should still call 911 for emergencies.

Grande Prairie councillors voted not to renew a contract with the RCMP in 2023 after a cost analysis found that having a municipal police service wouldn't be as expensive. 

Mayor Jackie Clayton said the transition is a significant milestone.

"This transition reflects years of planning, collaboration, and commitment from many people and organizations," she said in a statement Wednesday.

"We are proud to welcome the Grande Prairie Police Service as our police service, marking a new chapter in public safety built on local oversight, strong community partnerships, and a shared commitment to keeping Grande Prairie safe."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 21, 2026.

Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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