(Photo: Town of Blackfalds)

By Troy Gillard

safe, visible location

Blackfalds opens exchange zone for residents to conduct business

Mar 24, 2021 | 4:44 PM

Blackfalds is the latest community to set up an “exchange zone” for residents to conduct business in a safe and visible location.

Town officials say the suggestion was brought forward by community members to the Town’s peace officers and the Blackfalds Policing Committee.

Exchange zones also allow residents to exchange goods without sharing personal information or having strangers come to your home address.

“The need for a public location for exchanges to occur between people is something which has been brought forward in many communities as they grow,” explains Ken Morrison, Emergency Management and Protective Services Manager.

“Internet communities all over [Alberta] have adopted these initiatives in the hopes of keeping people reasonably safe when making in-person exchanges.”

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The Blackfalds exchange zone consists of two designated parking stalls and is located in the parking lot in front of the Protective Services building at 4405 South Street.

RCMP Sergeant Brent Dueck said the location was chosen because of its already established security measures in and around the building and is manned 24 hours a day.

“The Protective Services building was chosen as there are security cameras in place and outside lighting along with police officers and Fire Department personnel coming and going all hours of the day and night.”

An exchange zone at the Sylvan Lake RCMP Detachment opened in January.