The Town of Edson will be the latest Alberta community to implement a positive ticketing program, designed to encourage responsible citizenship among youth.
The Positive Ticket Program is a community engagement initiative aimed at rewarding and reinforcing positive behaviours of Edson youth, whether that’s demonstrating public safety awareness, volunteering, engaging in environmental stewardship, or showing kindness and inclusion.
Other communities have utilized this type of program to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and youth and saw success in promoting good behaviour, boosting youth morale and improving trust between young people and public safety officials. Town officials say in Edson, the program will be tailored to local values, priorities and partnerships, brining together Municipal Enforcement, the RCMP, fire services, schools, local business and community organizations.
Those who receive a positive ticket will receive tangible rewards as well, such as a voucher for a local business or entry into a prize draw.
The program officially launches tomorrow, June 18, and is expected to continue year-round, with emphasis around special events, awareness campaigns and seasonal focuses.
Financial implications for the town are minimal, including $1,000 for ticket printing, which is allocated within the existing budget, Community Engagement Action Team donations for prizes, and Edson and District Leisure Centre pass donations. Local businesses have also donated prizes.
