COLD LAKE – The City of Cold Lake has been discussing various traffic calming measures, including speed cushions and other pedestrian safety improvements.
During the Feb. 18 Corporate Priorities meeting, the conversation revolved around concerns regarding traffic flow, pedestrian behaviour, and potential solutions for areas experiencing high-speed vehicle movement.
Council has asked City administration to investigate the possibility of installing a speed bump on Tamarack Street at 1st Avenue in response to complaints about speeding. Vehicles exiting the 30 km/hour zone heading west on 1st Avenue are reported to accelerate beyond the speed limit, according to information from the City of Cold Lake.
Administration reviewed the issue, analyzed the relevant data, and proposed recommendations for council's consideration.
Azam Khan, general manager of Infrastructure Services, addressed whether speed cushions would require underground work and said further review would be needed.
“We will have to specifically look at the site to come up with the recommendation,” said Khan, speaking about logistics like snow removal and cleaning of gullies.
Mayor Craig Copeland expressed concerns about implementing traffic-calming measures, particularly on 1st Avenue and Tamarack Street.
He highlighted the busy crosswalk near the houses behind the hospital and mentioned another busy area near Lakeview Cemetery. Copeland suggested testing the traffic-calming measures in a specific area within the neighborhood to evaluate their effectiveness and gather reactions before making a bigger decision.
Coun. Chris Vining acknowledged Copeland's point and said there are concerns about crosswalks and speeding, particularly on more arterial roads. Specific areas, such as behind the mall and near parks, are also areas people have raised concerns about traffic speed.
Vining pointed out that new neighborhoods, including those in Lloydminster, often use traffic-calming measures at crosswalks, particularly those leading to green spaces, to enhance safety.
"Safety is a perception of threshold that is different for every person looking at a situation,” said CAO Kevin Nagoya.
Nagoya acknowledged that while opinions may vary, there is no safety issue according to the codes in place. However, safety concerns are subjective.
Discussions also focused on whether additional speed bumps or fences would be more effective in key locations.
Coun. Bob Mattice highlighted the need to consider younger children’s safety.
Mattice clarified he was referring to the park and the nearest spot to the road, noting that society's perspective often depends on one's stage in life.
"Maybe a fence is the most economic best alternative for that spot.”
Khan acknowledged that a fence could be a viable solution.
“For park safety, a fence is the best option because that is away from taking away any parking space or creating any other infrastructure.”
Mayor Craig Copeland suggested piloting a few traffic-calming solutions.
“So can you just buy a couple of these things, you know, $12,000, $15,000 and put them in two different locations and do studies?”
Khan said administration would be able to proceed if council makes a recommendation. Council agreed to request a budget proposal for traffic calming measures along 1st Avenue, along with a separate recommendation for a safety fence near the park.
