WESTLOCK — More than a year after the issue was first discussed, Village of Clyde councillors are hoping to put an end to speeding in the community.
Ongoing resident concerns over speeding along 47th Ave., also known as the truck route, were once again on the table at the June 13 regular council meeting, where councillors unanimously voted 5-0 to direct administration to place a three-way stop at the corner of 50th Street and 47th Ave. and then be re-evaluated at the next regular meeting in September.
Last year, that same concern was brought forward following a recommendation by the municipality’s emergency, fire and village safety committee. Councillors passed Resolution No. 112-2022 at that time and as a result, additional signs were posted and peace officers were made aware of speeding concerns and conducted additional patrols.
“The reason that we’re bringing it forward is whether or not council would like to go over different ideas, bring it to policies and priorities, or bring it to the fire, emergency safety committee for further discussion and recommendation,” said CAO Jaye Parrent.
Administration again presented several options ranging from bringing it to the emergency, fire and safety committee, choosing not to proceed with any additional action or placing speed bumps along 47th Ave., which would be “a little bit tricky because it is a part of our main road” and she was “not sure that the speed bumps would be a good deterrent.”
Councillors discussed the issue at length, asking questions and providing comments with Coun. Alex Strembesky pointing out that “enforcement is not working” as he lives near the intersection.
“Today was terrible. There are a couple of (big) trucks that never slow down on that road, never and they’re from the community,” he said. “There’s lot of kids, lots of dogs and lots of families and they go that route all the time. It is a big concern.”
Mayor Charis Aguirre asked if the speeder are traveling east to west or west to east and Strembesky noted it’s west to east traffic and “most of it is not out-of-town traffic.”
Coun. Donna Moore thought it was “good to go the FESC route and obtain input from the fire chief” and others, while Aguirre liked the idea of bringing it to the FESC and installing a stop sign at one of the intersections. She also noted “perhaps they (the FESC) would have an idea of which would be the most strategic of those intersections.” Strembesky agreed and said “I think the stop sign is a very good idea.”
The FESC includes two councillors, the fire chief, a public works representative and peace officers. “If all those could be included in it then we have some valuable feedback,” said Coun. Philip Petkau. “Ultimately, if we’re all in agreement that a three-way stop would be a great first step, then we have to decide who we want for discussion on the matter.”
