Don't be alarmed if your youth comes home with a ticket from the RCMP this winter. 

These tickets, a part of the Positive Ticketing Program known as 'Operation Freeze', will be awarded to Airdrie youth who display positive behaviour and influence in the community. It could be as simple as following proper pedestrian rules or helping carry someone's groceries. The tickets will be redeemable for Frosties or cold beverages at local Circle K convenience stores.

Operation Freeze launched today (November 7th) in Airdrie and is a collaborative effort between the RCMP, Boys & Girls Club of Airdrie, and Circle K convenience stores.

Cst. Morley Statchuk, Airdrie RCMP School Resource Officer, says it is important for youth to establish a positive relationship with enforcement.

"I think it builds a great rapport with them to know that if they are doing something good and we come talk to them and we reward them, that they can be safe with us and feel that we are there to help them and take an interest in what they're doing good in the community."

Operation Freeze first launched in Canada in 2007. Since then, there have been approximately 1.5 million tickets issued nationwide.

Sherry Coey, Security & Loss Prevention Manager with Mac's/Circle K convenience stores is excited to have Operation Freeze integrated into Airdrie's community.

"We wanted to have something out there that we could partner with police in a positive fashion so that kids could become, as they are today, a part of a positive community outreach with the police."