Richard Froese
South Peace News
Speed bumps will soon be installed by Kinuso School to curb speeding drivers.
At its regular meeting March 12, council approved a recommendation to install two speed bumps at the school, one on Fourth St. and another on Fifth Ave.
Council agreed at its regular meeting Sept. 25, 2024 that a notice of motion for the speed bumps be tabled until the regular council meeting of Jan. 8, Ben Letemplier, director of public works, told council.
He said speed bumps are effective to slow down speeders.
“From my previous employment positions, they are a good deterrent,” said Letemplier, who started with Big Lakes last July and has many years experience in public works.
The issue of speeding was raised by Kinuso Councillor Roberta Hunt who heard concerns from the school.
“This came for employees at the school last year,” Hunt said.
North Gilwood – Triangle Councillor Jim Zabolotniuk asked if High Prairie School Division was informed about the speeding, since the school is in its jurisdiction.
Hunt replied it’s not an issue for the school division.
“It’s our road,” Hunt said.
Letemplier says temporary speed bumps will be the best.
“It is recommended that we install rubber speed bumps with steel spikes in the spring to have them removed in the fall to ensure they do not interfere with snow-clearing equipment,” Letemplier said.
“Sealant is to be placed in the spike holes to keep water from freezing and thawing during the winter months to avoid affecting the pavement.”
The cost of each speed bump is $1,500 including material and labour, he noted.
Hunt further explained the concern in her notice of motion.
“Given the increasing prevalence of speeding all-terrain vehicles and motor vehicles in the Kinuso School area, action must be taken to ensure the safety of our school zones and protect our children,” Hunt wrote.
“It’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.”
She added the Faust RCMP can’t patrol the area and speeding all on its own.
“With the RCMP focused on other rising crime in our region, they are unable to dedicate the necessary time to address speeding issues in our area,” Hunt said.
Hunt suggested prefabricated and removable speed bumps would be the most appropriate solution to curb the problem.