Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association marks first year under new leadership

By Haylee Winger
On March 11, 2025, the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association (SRCWA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Gibbons Cultural Center, where President Kelvin Kozak provided an update on the Association’s progress in his first year as President. Kelvin, who accepted the nomination for the role in April 2024, shared the initiatives and challenges that have shaped the SRCWA’s efforts to combat crime in the area.
As a long-time resident and multi-generational farmer, Kelvin has witnessed the increase in crime over the years and felt a strong desire to take action. He has always told his children, “Complaining does not solve problems, but getting involved does.” With this in mind, he stepped forward to lead the SRCWA.
Increased Visibility and Community Engagement
Under Kelvin’s leadership, the Association focused on becoming more visible throughout the County. Board Members took the SRCWA float to local parades, its trailer to Wellness on Wheels (WOW) events, and set up booths at various trade shows. These efforts helped the Association engage with the community, raise awareness, and promote crime prevention. Additionally, the SRCWA has worked to enhance its online presence, with a new website under development under the Provincial Rural Crime Watch Association, and a more active Facebook page. There has also been an increase in Crime Watch signage across the County, helping to make the organization’s presence felt by more residents.
Collaboration with Local Authorities
The SRCWA also worked closely with local officials, including County Councillors, Protective Services, and RCMP detachments. These partnerships allowed the Association to share valuable insights and advice at Board Meetings, while working together to develop and promote various crime prevention programs. Some of the key initiatives supported by the SRCWA this year included “Positive Ticketing,” OHV training, Crime Prevention information sessions, and “Coffee with a Cop” events, which allowed residents to meet informally with local law enforcement.
Focus on Youth Involvement
One of the challenges the SRCWA faces is recruitment, especially when it comes to engaging younger residents. Recognizing the importance of building future leadership, Kelvin highlighted the Association’s efforts to increase youth participation. Constable Wills, the School Resource Officer, has identified several youths interested in volunteering with the SRCWA, and Kelvin is excited to involve them in upcoming projects with the Directors. This initiative aims to not only build a stronger foundation for the future of the Association but also to give young people the tools to take an active role in keeping their communities safe.
Expansion and Restructuring
In May 2022, the SRCWA expanded its boundaries to cover the entire County of Sturgeon and reorganized from 16 zones to 6 zones to better reflect the divisions of the County. This restructuring has helped the Association better serve residents across a broader area, allowing for more efficient communication and response to local crime issues.
Looking ahead to 2025, the SRCWA remains committed to making Sturgeon County a safer place through community engagement, partnerships with local authorities, and increased involvement from youth. Kelvin is optimistic about the future and encourages more residents to get involved, as the strength of the Association comes from the active participation of community members.
For more information or to get involved with the SRCWA, residents can visit the Association’s website or follow its Facebook page.