The County of Stettler council approved lowering a speed limit on a municipal road that is experiencing increased traffic. The resolution was made at the July 23 regular meeting of council.

Councillors read a report from Director of Operations Greggory Jackson recommending lowering the speed limit on a portion of TwpRd 39-2 along with RngRd 19-3, which according to a map supplied at the meeting is an area outside the northeast boundary of the Town of Stettler.

“Operations Staff have growing concerns regarding this route due to increased passenger and industrial traffic linked to residential and industry development as well as bypass access connecting Hwy.# 12 and Hwy.# 56 north,” stated Jackson’s report to council.

“Traffic counts completed Jan. to March 2025 revealed that an average of 169 vehicles travel this route per day. The County of Stettler has applied dust reduction products to the road surface in efforts to improve the air quality for the adjacent properties, reduce wash boarding at multiple access points and improve safety for traffic entering and exiting properties.

“The current speed limit is 80 km/hr and many vehicles are witnessed to be travelling much faster than the speed limit. Excessive speed on the road surface is reducing the effectiveness of the dust reduction product as well as causing the road surface to become rough thus requiring increased maintenance and reduced interval between gravel applications.”

Jackson explained that the dust control is paid for by the County of Stettler as the roads in question have seen noticeable traffic volumes in recent years. He noted dust control also improves road safety and protects the road surface.

“Staff have been out on this stretch quite a bit this year, both for dust control and regards maintenance...We have observed many vehicles speeding,” said Jackson.

Jackson stated he recommended lowering the speed limit on the area in question to 60 km/hr which results in less dust, also giving the dust control a longer life and reducing wear and tear on the county road. Jackson stated with the way things stand traffic slows down quickly at certain intersections then speeds up rapidly upon leaving, which causes washboarding.

Jackson noted having a 60 km/hr speed limit would also act as a transition from feeder roads into this more residential area.

Coun. James Nibourg asked why the proposed limit is 60 and not 50, as is the case in other areas surrounding the Town of Stettler. Jackson responded that 60 km/hr meshes with other nearby speed limits.

Coun. Justin Stevens observed that there are a number of different speed limits in different areas which makes education “a nightmare” and could result in the public ignoring them. Stevens stated he agreed with the case Jackson made for lowering the speed limit but suggested the public might not comply.

Jackson reiterated that other nearby roads also have 60 km/hr speed limits so that rate is consistent while the County of Stettler will conduct an education program on the new limit.

Coun. Stevens stated some urban areas may take a more heavy-handed approach to speeding tickets while he feels education is the best approach. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Yvette Cassidy stated the county will place signs notifying motorists of the new speed limit, while officers will write warnings for a certain amount of grace time. However, eventually the officers will write tickets.

Jackson added that the Public Works department plans in-person visits with some businesses in that area to discuss the new speed limit.

Councillors voted 6 to 1 to approve the new 60 km/hr speed limit in the area in question, with Coun. Dave Grover the lone dissenter.