The Town of Rocky Mountain House is moving forward with the first phase of a multi-year wayfinding sign project, approving a bid worth nearly $138,000 for the initial work to be completed in 2025.
Council has awarded the $137,928.13 contract following a competitive process that drew seven proposals ranging in price from $124,000 to $362,000.
Phase 1 will see six primary and six secondary vehicular signs installed, along with updates to four large trail maps and six smaller ones. The signs will be made of aluminum and mounted on wooden posts—some towering as high as 20 feet.
Though council approved the contract, the price tag has raised concerns among some residents.
“We may get the best result possible, but that’s not the perception right now,” said Coun. Dale Shippelt, who told council he’s been fielding calls about the project’s cost.
Concept drawings of proposed wayfinding signs in Rocky Mountain House, as presented to town council Feb. 11, 2025. (Town of Rocky Mountain House)
The town has earmarked $200,000 for the project this year, with additional spending of $250,000 planned for 2026 and $160,000 in 2027 to complete the remaining two phases.
Coun. Marley Capraro noted that many residents’ concerns relate to the overall projected cost, not just the first phase.
“This is a three-phase approach,” she said. “Council may opt to do the first phase, and that’s it — nothing is set in stone.”
Capraro added that once the signs are installed, community attitudes may shift.
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READ MORE:
- Rocky Mountain House requests more information before moving ahead with wayfinding sign project
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