Drivers in Rocky Mountain House are adjusting to newly installed 40 km/h speed limit signs throughout town— and public reaction has been mixed.

The town recently completed the installation of new speed limit signs following council’s decision to reduce the default speed to 40 km/h on most residential streets, unless otherwise posted. The bylaw also makes school and playground zones active 24 hours a day.

Town communications coordinator Laura Button said there won’t necessarily be a grace period for drivers adjusting to the new limits.

“Our peace officers do focus a lot on education and engagement,” she said. “As always, they can use their discretion on whether to write a ticket or provide a warning.”

A previous pilot in the McNutt subdivision and Creekside area received positive reviews, and town officials said 76 per cent of online engagement supported the change—especially in residential areas with high volumes of pedestrians.

40 km/h sign on Allan Ave. in McNutt Subdivsion. (94.5 Rewind Radio/Jordan Rein)

Still, some residents questioned whether speed reductions were necessary throughout town. Comments to a post on the town’s official Facebook page included concerns about enforcement, distracted driving, and the cost to taxpayers.

“Yet another money grab,” wrote one user. Another added: “Most vehicles aren’t designed to cruise at 40. They don’t like it much.”

Others praised the change as long overdue. “It’s about time that residential areas were at 40,” read one post. Another resident commented, “If it stops one person from getting injured, it’s worth it.”

Some users pointed to distracted driving—not speed—as the bigger issue, while others said 50 km/h is manageable “if people just got off their phones.”

As part of the bylaw, roads east of Highway 11 largely remain at 50 km/h, with exceptions including Allan Avenue, Kennor Street, and parts of 53 Avenue. On the west side of town, most roads are now 40 km/h, with the exception of 60 Street and 71 Avenue, which remain at 50.

The town previously cited safety data showing a pedestrian hit at 40 km/h has a 70 per cent chance of survival—much higher than the 15 per cent survival rate at 50 km/h.

The cost to install new signage was pegged at roughly $5,000. Ongoing maintenance will fall under the town’s operations budget.