At its regular monthly meeting May 7, the M.D. of Smoky River council decided to adopt a speed policy for its fire department vehicles.
“Council’s decision to establish speed limits for Protective Services followed direction from both previous and current councils,” says Reeve Paula Guindon.
“At the Nov. 12, 2025 regular council meeting, council directed administration to develop a policy outlining emergency response speeds. This policy is the outcome of that direction, providing clear guidance to support safe and consistent emergency response practices across the municipality,” she says.
The policy is meant to reinforce the department’s commitment to public safety and compliance with the Alberta Traffic Safety Act.
Council chose to set a maximum speed limit on highways of 150 km/h and 130 km/h on gravel roads. Guindon says the speeds represent maximum allowable limits under the policy, not target speeds.
“Operators are required to assess conditions and adjust accordingly, considering factors such as weather, road conditions, traffic, and the urgency of the call,” explains Guindon.
“Council’s intent in setting these limits was to balance two key priorities: maintaining safe operations for responders and the public, while also supporting timely emergency response across a large rural municipality. These maximums provide flexibility where conditions allow, while still requiring operators to exercise judgment and prioritize safety at all times.”
Guindon says council believes the policy will benefit the municipality by supporting timely emergency response while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety.
“In a large rural area like the M.D. of Smoky River, travel distances can be significant, and the ability to respond quickly can make a meaningful difference in emergency situations,” she adds.
“By establishing maximum allowable speeds, while still requiring operators to assess and adjust for conditions, the policy provides flexibility for trained responders to balance urgency with safety.”
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter