The Flagstaff County Positive Ticket initiative started back in 2022, from an idea originated by Peace Officer Skyler Zelinski, and since then, has grown.
Positive tickets are given to youth when Peace Officers Zelinski and Aaron Young see examples of them practicing personal safety, like wearing a helmet while riding their bicycles, crossing the street at a crosswalk, etc., and also for being a community hero (picking up trash, or recycling), and making smart choices.
Every positive ticket issued also comes with a $10 coupon that can be redeemed at participating businesses all around the region, as well as a token for a free swim at the Killam Aquatic Centre.
Last fall, all the youth who had received a positive ticket, from 2022 to 2023, had their names entered in a draw where two lucky winners received a new bike, with $350 each, courtesy The Bike Shop Camrose. The winners were Marley Boudreau and Tyler Williams.
Now the peace officers want to expand the program by opening it up to teachers, coaches, friends, and neighbours throughout the region who witness a child doing a positive or helpful deed, “or performing a safe act that would be worthy of receiving a positive ticket.”
Nominations can be done online, at: flagstaff.ab.ca/Forms/PositiveTicket
Leslie Cholowsky
Editor