OLDS — Town officials have released details on new speed limits and playground zones in Olds which took effect July 1, and were approved by council earlier.
Changing school zones to playground zones
This change will affect Deer Meadow School, Horizon School, Ecole Olds Elementary School, and Holy Trinity Catholic School.
Speed limits in these zones have not changed but will be in effect year long from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
“This change is being implemented to apply consistent rules in the two zones and eliminate motorist confusion,” a town news release says.
“The times were chosen to best protect children and youth attending after-school activities and have also been adopted by many other communities.”
Extension of speed reduction area in Highlands
In the Highlands, a speed zone will be extended to include a playground near Holy Trinity Catholic School.
That decision was made in order to create one constant playground zone with a consistent speed limit of 30 km/h.
Centennial Park now playground zone
This new playground zone will run along 53rd Street by the splash park, along 50th Avenue by the bowling alley to just west of the Cow Palace on 54th St.
It too will have a speed limit of 30 km/h.
The news release laid out the reasoning behind establishing the Centennial Park playground zone.
“This area is home to many family events and attracts many pedestrians who don’t always use the crossings and are often stepping out between high-sided vehicles, reducing reaction time for both motorists and pedestrians,” it said.
In the release, protective services director Justin Andrew said law enforcement personnel will “work with the general public to provide education on the changes during the transition period to the news speed limit.”
The news release also said the changes are the result of “citizen feedback and supported by similar changes in many other Alberta municipalities.”
Results of the town’s 2022 Traffic Speed Adjustment Survey are on its website at www.olds.ca/engagement.
