School zones in Coaldale to be changed to year-round playground zones

“Standardizing these signs will make it safer for children using all playgrounds, including school playgrounds, and bring Coaldale in line with other major centres in Alberta for consistency when traveling between communities.”

Anderson added, “it means everybody has a better opportunity to understand the rules that are out there, so people have an opportunity to comply with them and it should make and will make our community safer for our kids.”

In addition to the sign replacements, the playground zone signs previously removed from 23^rd Avenue by Kate Andrews High School will be reinstalled, as well as on 20^th Street at John Davidson School.

Anderson said following the replacement of the signs, there will be a month-long enforcement campaign, where there will be “a high-visibility presence of our uniformed officers and our photo radar in the playground zones throughout Coaldale.”

“During that month, unless it’s a particularly egregious offence that takes place, people will be getting a warning and they’ll have an opportunity to speak with one of our CPOs [Community Peace Officers] and they can explain the rules and the changes. If anyone has any questions, we’re available for them.”

Additionally, parking will be prohibited on 20^th Street from 20^th Avenue to 21^st Avenue as part of the new sign replacement initiative.

Anderson added that “visibility on 20^th Street along the John Davidson school and playground is severely limited when vehicles park on the street, making it more dangerous for children and pedestrians, particularly when crossing the street.”

“Eliminating parking along this street will increase the safety of our children in playgrounds and increase driver awareness of hazards they may encounter while driving through these areas.”

He said staff want Coaldale “to be the destination place for people to raise their families and to work and to come to.”

Coaldale mayor Jack Van Rijn remarked that, “as Coaldale continues to grow, it is important for us to take this important step to increase safety in our community.”

“By undergoing these changes, we will provide clear, consistent direction for motorists and increase safety for our most vulnerable population.”

The estimated cost to replace all the signs is under $10,000.

Coaldale council unanimously approved the request to proceed with upgrading the signage at the November 8, 2022 Regular Council Meeting.

by Justin Goulet

School zones in Coaldale to be changed to year-round playground zones

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