Town hopes to resolve speeding
Posted on June 30, 2014 by Maple CreekThe town is hoping to cut down on the number of drivers speeding into Maple Creek through the installation of speed readers.Council agreed to the purchase of a solar-powered speed reading sign during its regular meeting on June 25.
The town has continually received complaints from residents concerned about the number of drivers speeding. Most recently, they received another letter from Maple Creek & District Opportunities Inc. voicing worries about the safety of its clients and other pedestrians due to vehicles speeding into town from the east end of Pacific Avenue. RCMP were out at the location last week to monitor speeders, but council said it isn’t as much of an issue when drivers see the police are there.
Town administrator Michele Schmidt presented council with the lowest quote she obtained on speed readers, which was $2,799. To add data collection capabilities that would allow the town to review the number of vehicles speeding is an additional $400. Council said this would be useful information.
The readers are mounted to a pole but could be moved to different locations. If a vehicle is travelling above the speed limit, the display of the speed will flash on the screen. Council noted this alone makes drivers more aware of their speed and encourages them to slow down.
“They’re effective, there’s no doubt,” said Mayor Barry Rudd.
It was agreed to purchase one speed reader.
In other business, the town will be painting lines for parking spaces downtown. The decision was made as a number of drivers have been taking up more than one parking space with their vehicles.”The biggest part is the main street here,” Rudd stated. “We’ll make them at least 19 feet. It’s better than having a space of 26 feet taken up by a car that only needs 12.”
Parking lines will be painted on the 100 and 200 block of Jasper Street as well as the downtown core of Pacific Avenue.
“If we need more areas done we can review it,” Schmidt said.
Councillors who attended the Community Cultural Summit on June 20 were pleased with the information provided and discussions had by the local arts, culture and heritage groups. The event was held to discuss the viability of developing a performing arts centre and also create discussions around increasing arts and culture in Maple Creek. Engineers have been examining the former grand theatre building to determine if it is structurally sound and possible to restore it to its original purpose.
“One of the main issues that was mentioned quite a bit was the communication between all the arts and culture groups that are in the area,” explained Councillor Michelle McKenzie. “There isn’t communication, so they did discuss having a committee with a representative from each of the groups so they can come up with the ideas and communicate or even have different activities together.”
Representatives from Indian Head gave a presentation at the cultural summit outlining how the community was able to fundraise to save their movie theatre.
“They did some hard work, and it just goes to show what you can accomplish coming together as a community,” McKenzie said.
Tipping fees will be coming into effect at the landfill on July 1. Users must purchase tokens from the town office or the Visitor’s Centre and present them to the landfill operator. Cash payments will not be accepted at the landfill. Although the town office is closed on Saturdays, tokens can still be purchased from the Visitor’s Centre 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Council received correspondence from Connect Energy regarding its natural gas rates. The town opted not to continue using its services over a year ago due to the high cost. However, since the province approved SaskEnergy’s application to increase its rate 26.7 per cent to $4.84 per gigajoule for two years, Connect Energy is no longer the higher rate. Connect Energy’s rate is $4.74 per gigajoule over two years.
“They weren’t cheaper before, but they’re cheaper now,” Rudd said of Connect Energy.
Council agreed to sign a two-year contract with Connect Energy.
Councillor Ellaine Hawrylak reported the Armoury has been awarded a grant for $20,000 for masonry work on the facility.
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