FORT SASKATCHEWAN – June 4, 2025 – In a decisive move to restore peace and safety in a local residential neighbourhood, Alberta Sheriffs have closed a property at 12 Elizabeth Drive that had become a centre of ongoing criminal activity, including drug trafficking and disturbances.
Working under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act, the Alberta Sheriffs secured a community safety order from the Court of King’s Bench to shut the property down for 90 days, beginning at noon on June 4. The order requires all individuals, including the former owner, to vacate the property. It will be boarded, locked, and fenced off until September 2, 2025, with monitoring by SCAN officers continuing as the investigation proceeds.
Years of Complaints Culminate in Closure
RCMP records show that since 2022, the Fort Saskatchewan detachment responded to nearly 100 calls to the property, including complaints of assaults, drug trafficking, theft, and disturbances. In 2024 alone, there were 25 reported incidents tied to the address. Multiple arrests were made, and emergency responders were called twice in September 2024 to assist individuals suffering from suspected drug overdoses.
“The safety of all Albertans and their families remains a top priority for our government,” said Mike Ellis, Alberta’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. “The closure of this property sends a clear message to drug dealers across Alberta: You are not welcome here.”
Strong Community Support
The investigation was supported by concerned neighbours and community members who consistently reported suspicious activity. In November 2024, SCAN issued a formal warning letter to the property owner. During the visit, investigators discovered drug paraphernalia and observed individuals known to police in the basement area.
Fort Saskatchewan RCMP Acting Officer-in-Charge Staff Sergeant Scott Lande praised the partnership and community involvement:
“From neighbours reporting what they saw, to our partnership with SCAN, today’s closure is a reflection of what strong community policing looks like.”
Long-Term Restrictions Imposed
Although the immediate closure lasts for three months, the community safety order will remain in place until June 4, 2027, giving authorities additional legal tools to deter further illegal activity at the property.
Superintendent Mike Letourneau, Alberta Sheriffs, noted:
“By working together with RCMP and community members, SCAN units are having a meaningful and lasting impact on crime reduction throughout the province.”
Since launching in 2008, Alberta’s SCAN Unit has investigated over 10,000 problem properties and issued more than 130 safety orders, many resolved through cooperation with property owners.
