Starting September 1, 2026, the Town of Coaldale’s default, unposted speed limit will be reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h.
This change applies only to roads where no speed limit is posted. Roads with posted speed limit signs will continue to follow the posted limit.
Because Highway 3 and Highway 845 are provincial roads under the authority of Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors, they are not affected by this change and will continue to follow their posted speed limits. Coaldale’s 30 km/h playground zones are also not affected and will continue to apply as posted.
Why Is This Change Being Made?
The purpose of reducing the default, unposted speed limit is to support safer neighbourhood streets for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, children, seniors, and families.
The Town’s 2026 speed study collected more than 326,000 vehicle observations across 16 locations in Coaldale. The data showed that most drivers are already travelling at or near the proposed 40 km/h limit, with two-thirds of vehicles travelling below 50 km/h and roughly 95% travelling within 9 km/h of the current default limit.
Research reviewed by Administration also shows that lower vehicle speeds can significantly reduce the severity of collisions. At an impact speed of 40 km/h, the risk of pedestrian fatality is approximately half of what it is at 50 km/h.
What Will Happen Before September 1?
The Town will run a public awareness campaign before the new default speed limit takes effect. This campaign will include:
- A news release;
- Social media updates;
- Newspaper advertising;
- Billboards on Highway 3 and Highway 845;
- A blanket mail out to Town residences and businesses; and
- This webpage and FAQ.
The Town will also continue monitoring speeds after the change takes effect to understand how drivers are responding and to identify areas where additional enforcement, signage, or traffic-calming measures may be needed.