A motion put forward by Councillor Dale Shippelt during the Dec. 17 council meeting is calling for the town to look into the installation of more street lights along Highway 11.

Shippelt emphasized the important of looking into the measure, especially considering the current mix of lit and unlit sections along the route.

“My hope is that the recommendation will go to Alberta Transportation, asking for street lights from one end of town to the other, without dark and light spots,” said Shippelt.

Acting Mayor Len Phillips agreed, noting the contrast when driving through town at night, where parts of the highway are lit, while others are not. He described the situation as “kind of odd” and believes that having lights throughout the town would be an overall improvement.

CAO Dean Krause indicated that the next step in the process would be for the town to draft a letter, to be signed by the acting mayor, requesting a response from the Minister of Transportation. From there, council would review the response and decide on the best course of action.

Krause cautioned that it could take time, as Albert Transportation decisions typically do not come lightly, and it may ask for additional information including safety assessments.

Shippelt noted that the outcome may also depend on the proposed twinning of Hwy. 11 through town limits among other upgrades, which are expected to take place over the next two decades.

“The response from Alberta Transportation will be interesting to see,” Shippelt said. “If they’re planning any major highway upgrades, they might ask us to wait until then, but it’s worth pursuing now.”

Council’s decision to submit the motion is a step toward improving traffic safety in Rocky Mountain House, but further discussions will follow once feedback is received from the province.

The motion to instruct council to bring forward a recommendation for more lights passed unanimously during the meeting, with council members expressing general support for the idea.

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