New signs will be installed during reading week from February 21-25
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During the week of February 21, 2022, all playground and school zones in the Town of Coaldale will be re-signed. All school zones will be replaced with playground zones which will be in effect year-round from 7:30am to 9:00pm.
“Our signage is not consistent within the town from location to location, nor is it in how we designate certain areas, creating some confusion amongst drivers and increasing the risk to playground users,” said Mark Anderson, the Town of Coaldale’s Manager of Policing. “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.”
In addition to sign replacements, the playground zone signs previously removed from 23rd Ave by Kate Andrews High School will be reinstalled, as well as on 20th Street at John Davidson School. As an added measure, parking will be prohibited on 20th Street from 20th Avenue to 21st Avenue.
“Visibility on 20th 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,” said Anderson. “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.”
Replacing all signs in the town is estimated to cost under $10,000. Council unanimously approved request to proceed with upgrading signage at the November 8, 2021 Regular Council Meeting.
“As Coaldale continues to grow, it is important for us to take this important step to increase safety in our community,” said Mayor Jack Van Rijn. “By undergoing these changes, we will provide clear, consistent direction for motorists and increase safety for our most vulnerable population.”