Wheatland County had a discussion about the possibility of amending a bylaw that would change the speed limit in Carseland.

“I’ve been hearing a lot of complaints about the speed and missing the stop signs,” said Division 3 Councillor Donna Biggar.

She explained that there are a variety of speed limits right now in the hamlet and brought forward the discussion about reducing the speed limit in Carsleand to 40 km/h throughout the hamlet, and 30 km/h in the playground and school zone.

She noted that the original planning of some small hamlets and villages had residences alongside commercial businesses on almost every street. 

“I really feel that having one speed limit in a residential hamlet is not a controversial thing. That would be useful for everyone,” she said.

“I feel like I have enough input now to say we need to do something about the speeding in town”

A motion was made for Council to direct administration to bring forward a bylaw to amend the schedules A, B, and C of Bylaw 2019-20 (traffic control bylaw), and to come back to Council with a speed limit of 40 throughout and 30 for school zones and playgrounds.

However, Councillor Scott Klassen says this doesn't stop the problem.

“It's enforcement that stops the problem. You can put any sign you want out there, people will still do whatever they feel, if they're not looking at their phone. They will just drive however,” he said.

He explained that having one speed limit is definitely better than three separate ones in the community.

The issue was compared to the recent change in speed limit between Chestermere and Calgary. Klassen said “It doesn’t necessarily solve the problem. I say enforcement does.”

Administration revealed that Carseland is on the targeted patrols list and enforcement has been provided in the area.

“We have to make sure this stuff makes sense,” said Councillor Rick Laursen. “What is the solution here? Is the solution to lower the speed limit or is the solution to enforce the one that we have?” he said.

The motion eventually passed. It is unclear when the topic will return before county council for review.

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