Leduc community partners renew VTRA agreement

LEDUC -- Community partners from across Leduc came together yesterday to renew their regional VTRA partnership.

A Violence Threat Risk Assessment is a multidisciplinary process utilized by schools, police, and municipalities to identify, assess, and intervene when there is concern that a child or youth may pose a risk to themselves or others. At a ceremonial signing held in Nisku on Oct. 8, 2026, community partners gathered to reaffirm their commitment to community safety. 

"We are grateful for the strength of this partnership and for its positive outcome of ensuring our schools and communities are safe places for students and families," said Michael Borgfjord, Superintendent, Black Gold School Division. "Safety is always our first priority, and that work is significantly more effective when it's delivered collaboratively."

Present at the signing were the mayors of Leduc, Calmar, Devon, and Warburg, Leduc RCMP leadership, FCSS, and representatives from local school divisions. Leduc's Violent Threat Risk Assessment protocol was originally signed back in 2014 and was recommitted in 2022, enabling partners to work with each other in a more collaborative way. 

"Looking at trauma, violence, suicide prevention, and having protocols in place is one thing -- but also having the right people in place to ensure that we're all taking strides to support individuals," said Ryan Wilson with Recovery Alberta.

The renewed agreement adds two new community responses alongside VTRA: Traumatic Event Systems, which provides a framework for partner agencies to work together following a significant traumatic event affecting a school or broader community, and Community Suicide Prevention, which provides a coordinated response when concerns emerge about a pattern or cluster of suicides in a community.