St. Albert RCMP have created a safe space where residents can carry out in-person buy-and-sell transactions and child-visitation pickups and dropoffs – legitimate transactions that may have a potential for danger.
Dubbed the safe internet exchange zone, the designated area, offered by the city, is in the southwest parking lot of Servus Place.
“We initially thought about having it at the RCMP detachment, but we didn’t have the capacity in our parking lot, so we partnered with the city,” said Cpl. Morgan Kyle.
The safe zone is made up of two regular-sized parking lots that have special signage and are located directly under 24-hour surveillance cameras.
In principle, cameras recording transactions and officers' ability to find footage quickly can act as a deterrent if the motive of one party is robbery, intimidation, or the sale of stolen goods.
“It’s become popular across Alberta and even Canada. It’s one thing people enjoy using. It’s not that theft has increased. It’s giving people permission to meet in a safe public place. It’s more of a proactive measure,” Kyle said.
Morinville resident Genevieve Engel, who sells items on the St. Albert & Area Buy & Sell Facebook group, sees the exchange zone as a positive move.
"It's a great idea. I'd probably use it because I work in St. Albert," said Engel.
Ashley Peck, creator of the Upcycling St. Albert Facebook group, echoed Engel's thoughts.
"It makes sense. Some people don't feel comfortable giving out their address. It saves individuals from having to come up with a different location and reduces the need to meet at a grocery store or an alternate location. You can meet at that specifically-focused spot," Peck said.
Prior to COVID-19, the Servus Place parking lot was packed with vehicles and continual foot traffic. With pandemic restrictions in place, the parking lot is fairly empty. However, Engel sees many pluses.
"It's a big building. There's plenty of light. I can feel safe. But if you're one person and there's not many people there, they (people) might be hesitant," Engel said.
Peck notes that ideally a safe-exchange zone should be located centrally for easy access to all residents.
"Having it more central in the downtown core is better, but we don't have the infrastructure. So it makes sense to have it at Servus. The RCMP station wouldn't have worked. It's convenient, but it is a small parking lot. They don't have the space for meets. Everyone knows where Servus is and it has adequate space and surveillance," Peck added.
The Lethbridge and Medicine Hat police detachments first initiated the exchange sites in 2017. The movement spread and cities and towns such as Edson, Fort Saskatchewan, Three Hills, Parkland County, and Sylvan Lake developed their own initiatives.
“It was just after the Sylvan Lake exchange site that we started getting positive (social media) feedback in St. Albert. That’s what got us to undertake it,” said Kyle.
Despite 24-hour surveillance, Kyle encourages meets during daylight hours, bringing a friend along, and applying caution to all interactions with strangers. She also encourages buyers to not disclose their method of payment.
“If a seller is aware you will be arriving with a large quantity of cash, it is an excellent opportunity for a personal robbery to take place. And if you are carrying a large sum of cash, either before or after the transaction, do not make it obvious and be careful to ensure you are not followed after the transaction.”
Since the zone is a neutral area, Kyle also encourages parents with custody arrangements that require dropoffs and pickups to use it.
“Not only St. Albert, but people in surrounding areas can meet here. I just want to reiterate, if community members use the exchange zone and experience issues, whether it’s a complaint or they feel unsafe, you can contact us at any time. We can respond quickly. We know you are parked at the exchange zone.”
The public is encouraged to report criminal activity at 780-458-7700.
