The Reeve for Hanover says driving habits are changing in his municipality, thanks to the work of their Community Safety Officer (CSO).
In October 2023, the municipality hired Trevor Schellenberg as Bylaw Enforcement Officer. Hanover then signed onto the CSO program, which allows the municipality to enforce much more than just bylaws and road restrictions. Schellenberg is able to issue tickets under the Provincial Offences Act (POA). With the status of peace officer, he has the authority under several sections of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and can also issue tickets under the Off-Road Vehicles Act, Mental Health Act, and Liquor Control Act.
Paul Wiebe is Fire Chief and Manager of Protective Services for Hanover. Earlier this month he noted that in 2025, their CSO has already issued more than 20 HTA offence tickets. This includes 18 for speeding, two for stop sign violations, and one for a suspended license. Wiebe says their CSO also now has the power to enforce weight restrictions. Over the last month, he has issued at least 10 tickets for loads that are overweight or vehicles illegally driving down no-truck routes.
Hanover Reeve Jim Funk says sometimes they will get Schellenberg to park in an area that is known for having dirt bike issues or speeding vehicle violators.
"And just the sheer presence of him being there and ticketing one or two, that speaks loudly and that message comes across very quickly," notes Funk. "Very quickly people noticed that he is sitting there, and they have come to him and thanked him for patrolling that and possibly ticketing, because they too in return see a difference in the driving habits that motorists have."
Funk says Schellenberg plays a crucial role in policing the municipality.
When it comes to the work of RCMP, Funk says the municipality would love to see a greater police presence.
"We also know that they are quite busy and they cannot always come for every call or every call that we make," says Funk. "I don't blame it on the staff or the department, it is just time allotted for them and the sheer busyness of their schedules."
Funk says this was one of the reasons they signed onto the CSO program, in order to make up for some of the shortfalls.
When asked whether or not Hanover gets its money's worth when it comes to RCMP, Funk says if there is an emergency or a critical incident, they will certainly show up. He notes it is some of the pettier calls that RCMP do not always respond to, due to a lack of time.
"Are we happy with overall satisfaction as far as money?" asks Funk. "I think there is definitely room for improvement."
Again, Funk says their CSO plays a crucial role in helping police the municipality.