Cold Lake Approves Traffic Calming Measures, Declines Playground Fencing Proposal

Cold Lake Council Addresses Safety Concerns with Traffic Calming Measures Near Kinosoo Beach

Published: March 22, 2025

The City of Cold Lake, Alberta, is taking steps to address pedestrian safety concerns near the popular Kinosoo Beach. At a regular council meeting on March 11, 2025, city council members weighed proposals for traffic calming measures on 1st Avenue and fencing around the Kinosoo Beach playground. The council approved funding for the traffic calming measures but rejected the fencing proposal, citing concerns about aesthetics and accessibility.

For U.S. readers, this situation mirrors debates happening in towns and cities across the country. Just as Cold Lake officials are grappling with finding the right balance between safety and community aesthetics, local governments in the U.S.are constantly evaluating traffic patterns and pedestrian safety around parks, schools, and other public spaces. Consider the ongoing discussions in cities like Austin, Texas, regarding the implementation of speed cushions and pedestrian crosswalks near Zilker Park, a popular recreational area. The goals are the same: to protect vulnerable road users without negatively impacting traffic flow or the character of the neighborhood.

Traffic Calming Measures Approved

The council approved $8,000 from the Council Contingency fund to install traffic calming measures near the 1st Avenue crosswalk, close to the MD Campground.the decision arose from worries that drivers accelerate excessively after passing existing speed tables, notably near the Kinosoo Beach playground. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Kevin Nagoya explained the impetus behind the initiative, saying:

Once you pass the last speed table and by the Kinosoo playground structure, people are hitting the gas at some excessive speeds and whatnot.
Kevin nagoya, CAO, City of Cold Lake

To combat this, the city will implement speed bumps near the campground’s crosswalk. Nagoya articulated the Corporate Priorities Commitee’s proposal:

That being said,the Corporate Priorities Committee . . . passed a recommendation to city council to install some traffic halting measures. This is the budget amendment to proceed with that.
Kevin Nagoya,CAO,City of Cold Lake

Mayor Craig Copeland clarified that these measures are a trial,emphasizing the need to assess their effectiveness before making permanent changes.

Winter Concerns and Long-term Planning

Councilor Ryan Bailey raised concerns about the practicality of concrete barriers during winter, questioning their removal for snow plowing. Nagoya responded that the city hasn’t finalized plans, stating:

We haven’t made a decision on programming it yet . . . first thing is to get through the summer and see how these things work.
Kevin Nagoya, CAO, City of Cold Lake

He admitted potential winter challenges:

They’ll develop snow hills behind them and stuff like that. So aesthetically, there might potentially be some challenges when it comes to that winter season. But they could stay theoretically all year round.
Kevin Nagoya, CAO, City of Cold Lake

The traffic calming measures, to be installed west of Kinosoo Beach, will undergo continuous monitoring to gauge their impact on traffic flow and speeds. The data collected will inform future decisions about permanent solutions.

This approach reflects a trend seen in many U.S. cities. For example, Denver, Colorado, often uses temporary traffic calming measures, such as painted curb extensions and flexible bollards, to test their impact before investing in permanent infrastructure.This allows the city to gather data, solicit community feedback, and refine the design based on real-world results.

Playground Fencing Proposal Denied

Alongside the traffic calming initiative, council considered a proposal to install fencing around the Kinosoo Beach playground, aiming to bolster safety given the proximity of vehicular traffic. Though, this motion was defeated.

Nagoya explained that the governance didn’t see the absence of a fence as a critical safety hazard:

I don’t think the administration believes there is an unsafe condition here.
Kevin Nagoya, CAO, City of Cold Lake

He further elaborated on the subjective nature of safety perceptions:

In the discussions, safety sometimes is an observation or perspective depending on personal feelings, personal priorities and stuff like that.
Kevin Nagoya, CAO, City of Cold Lake

Nagoya acknowledged that while some perceive fencing as a security enhancement, others might view it as an aesthetic detraction.

The cost of the fencing was estimated at $23,000 for a fully enclosed structure and $16,500 for a three-sided version. Accessibility concerns were also weighed.

the other part is that we have received feedback . . . where there seems to be a question of disabilities and accessibility by individuals that might potentially be in a wheelchair or or else.
Kevin Nagoya, CAO, City of Cold Lake

Councilor Ryan Bailey voiced his opposition, referencing another local park:

I’m not too in favour of this happening. I’ve lived in areas in town . . .when I lived in the South, I used to live near Steve Wusyk Park. That park is a lot closer to the road than that. It’s a 30km/hour zone, it’s a playground zone. We should go with that.
Ryan Bailey, Councilor, City of cold Lake

Bailey suggested that the approved traffic calming measures might negate the need for fencing by effectively slowing down traffic. Ultimately, council agreed, opting to proceed solely with the traffic calming trial.

This decision highlights a key challenge in urban planning: balancing safety concerns with accessibility and aesthetic considerations. Similar debates occur frequently in the U.S. For instance, the installation of safety barriers around playgrounds in New York City has been met with both support from parents concerned about traffic and criticism from residents who feel the barriers detract from the park’s beauty and create accessibility issues for people with disabilities.The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets specific guidelines for accessibility in public spaces,which must be considered in any fencing proposal.

Looking Ahead

The City of Cold Lake will now focus on implementing and monitoring the traffic calming measures on 1st Avenue. The success of this trial will determine future strategies for enhancing pedestrian safety near Kinosoo beach.

The decision to postpone the fencing proposal underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making in urban planning. By first evaluating the effectiveness of the traffic calming measures,the council can make a more informed decision about whether additional safety measures,such as fencing,are truly necesary. This approach can help ensure that public funds are used efficiently and that safety improvements are implemented in a way that is both effective and sensitive to the needs of the community.

Traffic Safety: A Quick Look

Measure	Description	Pros	Cons
Speed Bumps	Raised sections of pavement designed to slow down vehicles.	Effective speed reduction, relatively low cost.	Can be noisy, may damage vehicles if taken at high speed, potential for snowplow interference.
concrete Barriers	Physical barriers separating traffic from pedestrian areas.	High level of protection, clear delineation of space.	Aesthetic concerns, can impede snow removal, may require significant installation costs.
Fencing	Enclosures around playgrounds or other pedestrian areas.	Prevents children from running into traffic, provides a sense of security.	Aesthetic concerns, can limit accessibility, may not be effective against persistent individuals.

What steps is the city taking to ensure that any traffic calming measures implemented are both effective and sensitive to the aesthetic and accessibility needs of the Cold Lake community?

Cold Lake Council Addresses Safety Concerns with Traffic Calming Measures Near Kinosoo beach

Welcome, Mayor copeland! The Archyde News Editor here. Thanks again for joining me.

Thank you for having me. I’m happy to discuss these crucial developments regarding traffic safety in Cold Lake.

Can you begin by describing the primary safety concerns that prompted this council action?

Certainly.Our community has expressed concerns about traffic speeds near Kinosoo Beach, notably along 1st Avenue near the MD Campground and playground.We’ve observed drivers accelerating after exiting the speed tables impacting pedestrian and child safety.

So, what specific traffic calming measures did the council approve, and what’s their intended effect?

the council authorized the installation of speed bumps near the crosswalk close to the campground. The goal is to encourage drivers to reduce their speed in that area, thus improving safety for pedestrians.

I understand these measures are a trial. Council member Bailey raised concerns about the long-term effects of the speed bumps, especially during winter. Could you elaborate on potential winter challenges?

Yes, Councilor Bailey rightly pointed out the practical considerations. While the speed bumps are intended as a year-round solution, we need to be mindful of potential snow accumulation and how that might affect the aesthetic, and the function of the the speed bumps. We’ll monitor how they perform throughout the year.

The council also considered fencing around the Kinosoo Beach playground. Why was that proposal rejected?

The proposal was extensively discussed. Ultimately, the management didn’t view the absence of a fence as an critical safety hazard.The cost, coupled with some accessibility & aesthetic concerns, helped shaped the council’s decision.

Accessibility does seem to play a key role in the discourse. Is the city working toward a more accessible habitat for all people in Cold Lake?

Absolutely. the city is committed to accessibility. Any public space projects go through a thorough needs assessment process, taking into account accessibility requirements from a planning standpoint.

Are there any potential plans for future projects related to traffic calming?

For now, our immediate focus is on evaluating the effectiveness of the speed bumps. This data will inform future decisions. Whether we need further interventions and/or improvements, well the analysis of the current implemented solutions will lead us in the right direction.

Similar to other cities throughout the United States, what learnings can Cold Lake extrapolate in making streets and public spaces more safe?

We’re looking at best practices in other areas & are learning from what these other cities are doing. The use of temporary solutions to gather data,and adapting to the changes by using local community feedback,is a practice we value and will continue to use.

This is true in many communities throughout the U.S. What role do you think community feedback plays in the decision-making process regarding traffic safety?

Community feedback is incredibly valuable.This process helps to ensure that any safety improvements are both effective and sensitive to the demands of the Cold Lake community.

Considering the balancing act between safety,aesthetics,and accessibility,what do you see as the biggest challenge for Cold Lake in creating a safer environment for our residents?

The biggest challenge is finding balance.The biggest factor is getting the most value when implementing these traffic calming measures, ensuring these projects meet safety standards, enhance our town’s allure, and are accessible for all residents. It’s a constant process of assessment and improvement.

Mayor Copeland, thank you so much for your time. We appreciate your insights. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Just that we are committed to creating a safer environment for everyone and will continue to prioritize community well-being.We welcome any questions or feedback from the public.