Plans are now in motion to use the $1 million from the federal government to help proactively combat gun and gang violence.

While Airdrie doesn't currently have a gun and gang problem, Corporal James McConnell of the Airdrie RCMP Community Policing Unit stated it's all about making sure we don't end up with one.

"We don't have the same problems as different municipalities. We're not seeing the same level of gun and gang violence. Our initiative is going to focus more predominantly on the prevention of youth being involved in violence and criminal activity."

When asked if the reason for the funding is because Airdrie is one of the fastest-growing communities in Alberta, which could mean potential problems down the road, McConnell stated they are always keeping a close track of activity.

"We're a municipality, close to a major center like Calgary where there is gang violence. As a community, we're always mindful of that influence [that] the larger centers may have on us."

There always is a concern we could see problems arise in Airdrie when it comes to guns and gang violence but McConnell does believe the grant will help get ahead of the problem.

Currently in the development stage, the new program will fall under Community Policing. McConnell expects school resource officers to be fully engaged in the program.

"We hope to roll something out in September of 2024, with more details."

In a city of 80,000 people, around 31,000 are around the age of 21 according to McConnell and being such a young community, it's important that everybody stay safe and follow the law.

"I don't want this program to be characterized, as addressing a problem. We have great kids in our community and this is really just to support them and make sure they stay on the right track."

The grant came as part of the Building Safer Communities Fund, which is to 'support municipalities and Indigenous communities to develop community-based prevention and intervention strategies and initiatives to tackle gun and gang activities, as well as support recipients to develop a plan to sustain successful prevention and intervention activities on completion of the five-year program.'

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