M.D. changes school zones to playground zones

By Rob Vogt, Local Press Writer
The Municipal District of Willow Creek will change all school zones in the Hamlet of Granum to playground zones.
The decision came at the M.D. council’s Sept. 23 meeting after a report by Craig Pittman, the M.D.’s director of infrastructure.
He explained there was inconsistent signage in Granum by having school zone and playground zones. There should be one or the other.
Pittman said, in a written report to council that, while evaluating a request to modify the traffic speed throughout the Hamlet of Granum, it was noted signage around the school and surrounding playground zone is not adequate.
To correct this, the entire zone will become a playground zone.
This will result in enhanced public safety and enforceable signage in the playground zone.
The installation and evaluation criteria is based on the Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation “Guidelines for School and Playground Zones and Areas”.
The M.D.’s chief administrative officer bylaw also states they can authorize the placement from time to time of traffic control devices, including traffic control devices restricting the speed of vehicles, at any locations considered necessary for controlling highways subject to the direction, management and control of the municipality and provide for a record of all locations to be kept, which shall be open to public inspection during normal business hours.
Pittman also pointed out the cost of this change is estimated at about $1,500 and will be funded through the Hamlet of Granum special tax.
Council then authorized the change of signs from school zones to playground zones in the Hamlet of Granum.