'I ❤️ SG' Conversation Series Topic #13- Safer Roads and Neighbourhoods
- Erin Stevenson
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
Spruce Grove Councillor Erin Stevenson is proud to launch her campaign for a third term under the banner “I ❤️ SG”—a positive, community-focused message reflecting her deep commitment to the people, places, and possibilities that make Spruce Grove special.
Safer Roads and Stronger Neighbourhoods for Spruce Grove
Safety on our roads and in our neighbourhoods is about more than rules—it’s about building trust, protecting families, and keeping our community connected. As part of her “I 💙 SG” campaign for a third term, Councillor Erin Stevenson is reflecting on the steps Spruce Grove has taken to improve road safety and neighbourhood security, while outlining opportunities to do more.
Watch the video:
LOVE: Steps Toward Safer Streets
As the school year begins, Spruce Grove reminds residents to slow down, watch for children, and exercise patience during school drop-offs. This message is backed by recent policy changes designed to keep everyone safer.
The City reduced residential road speeds to 40 km/h, while high-traffic areas like McLeod Avenue in the City Centre were further reduced to 30 km/h. These changes align with best practices in traffic safety and the recommendations of Spruce Grove’s Transportation Master Plan.
To reinforce safety, the City established a dedicated traffic patrol unit within Enforcement Services, and installed new crosswalks at key locations: in front of seniors’ centres such as Grove Seniors Village and Copper Sky, near Central Park on King Street, and east of the high school near Wooodside in anticipation of a new student-oriented facility.
Other measures included:
Eliminating mobile traffic enforcement (photo radar) before the province restricted its use.
Installing curb bulb-outs near Broxton Park School to calm traffic.
Expanding the use of speed monitoring signs to encourage drivers to slow down.
Promoting shared pathways for pedestrians, cyclists, and scooters instead of bike lanes, keeping traffic flow smoother and reducing road conflicts.
Noise reduction and enforcement patrols have also contributed to safer roads and more livable neighbourhoods. “Every change we’ve made is about putting safety first,” Stevenson says.
IMPROVE: Next Steps in Road Safety
Stevenson acknowledges that eliminating photo radar has led to increased speeding and, with it, more collisions—including injury-related ones. “We have to be creative in our thinking and work directly with neighbourhoods to find new ways to calm traffic,” she says.
Potential improvements include:
Expanding traffic calming measures across more residential areas.
Exploring dedicated left-hand turn lanes at high-volume intersections to reduce collision risks.
Regularly reviewing the City’s Crosswalk Treatment Systems Policy (AP-1049-21) to ensure best practices are in place.
Considering smarter crosswalk signals near schools to balance pedestrian safety with the flow of main-route traffic.
NEXT: Building Safer Neighbourhoods Together
Looking ahead, Stevenson believes community partnerships are key. She proposes reviving Neighbourhood Watch programs, potentially supported by the new Police Advisory Committee. “Part of being a good neighbour is looking out for each other,” she says.
In addition to community safety initiatives, Stevenson wants to address aggressive door-to-door sales tactics that make residents feel uncomfortable. A clear, enforceable framework could give residents more confidence when answering their door.
Finally, Stevenson notes that as new transportation modes emerge—such as e-scooters—Spruce Grove will need to look to examples from other Alberta municipalities and adjust policies accordingly. “Safety isn’t just about speed limits or enforcement,” Stevenson says. “It’s about building neighbourhoods where people feel secure, respected, and connected.”
Share your thoughts with Erin and connect with her on social media and don't forget to use the hashtag #IHeartSG. Show Erin support in her re-election campaign by requesting a lawn sign (request form is at the bottom of every webpage).
Comments