RCMP to keep patrolling Rio Grande Rodeo

The practice of having RCMP members patrol the Rio Grande Rodeo will continue full time.
 
County of Grande Prairie Council recently approved using Special Event Policing money from the province.
 
County Superintendent of Regional Enforcement Services Stu Rempel says on-site security was overwhelmed during 100th anniversary celebrations at Rio in 2016.
 
“(The) Rio Grande Rodeo Association has always been proud of the fact that they’ve always been able to successfully police themselves throughout the years with security and not so much relying on the resources of the RCMP. In 2016, by their own admission, they under-estimated the numbers they had on site.”
 
Rempel says during the three nights of the rodeo, two overtime RCMP members and two Enhanced Policing members will be on the grounds. He adds the Rodeo Association welcomes this idea.
 
“The Association said it was very welcome in 2017, because, quite frankly, they were run off their feet in 2016. They wanted to be a safe, family event. It’s grown, it’s gotten more successful.”