'I ❤️ SG' Conversation Series Topic #21- Enhancing Roads and Transportation

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.

Building Stronger Road and Transportation Networks

Transportation is about more than moving from one place to another—it’s about accessibility, safety, and ensuring residents can connect to what matters. As part of her “I 💙 SG” campaign for a third term, Councillor Erin Stevenson is highlighting Spruce Grove’s progress in building modern, connected transportation networks while planning for the city’s future growth.

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LOVE: Expanding Transit and Networks

In recent years, Spruce Grove has made important strides in accessibility and transit. The introduction of the Youth Local Service Monthly Pass and the Low-Income Transit Pass (LITP) has made public transportation more affordable for young people and families. The City also ensured that mandatory attendants for riders requiring support can travel for free, removing barriers for individuals who need extra help.

Council also approved updates to the Integrated Transportation Master Plan, which will guide transportation planning and investment for the next two decades. This plan provides a comprehensive framework for roads, transit, active transportation, and regional integration.

Spruce Grove also celebrated the successful annexation of Boundary Road and adjacent lands to the west. This strategic move will support future growth while improving regional connectivity, making it easier for residents and businesses to access key corridors.

On the innovation side, the Bird Scooter pilot project was such a success that it has now expanded to include electric bicycles, showing strong demand for micro-mobility options in the community. “These successes show that transportation is about meeting people where they are—whether that’s traditional transit, new routes, or scooters,” Stevenson says.

Preparation begins on Boundary Road, July, 2025

IMPROVE: Growing Transit Options

Even with these achievements, Stevenson acknowledges there’s room to improve.

“As we grow, we need to ask: what’s next for Spruce Grove transit?” she says. “Do we add another commuter route into Edmonton, like the one we used to have to West Edmonton Mall? Do we expand Saturday or peak-hour service? Or do we introduce set-route service within the city to complement our on-demand system?”

Stevenson emphasizes that transit is not about profit but about fairness. “Transportation doesn’t make money—it costs money. But it’s an equalizer. It helps youth, seniors, and those who can’t drive for many reasons get where they need to go.” Regional collaboration also remains a priority, ensuring Spruce Grove is integrated with surrounding municipalities through efficient service.

The new HMP Transit station, July, 2025

NEXT: Safety and the Future of Mobility

Looking forward, Stevenson highlights the need to address safety concerns with emerging mobility options. While scooters are popular, regulations remain inconsistent. Currently, owning an e-scooter is still technically illegal in Alberta, and Bird’s presence required a provincial exception. Larger sit-style scooters are now appearing on sidewalks, raising safety issues as they travel fast and take up space.

“We need to get ahead of this,” Stevenson says. “Do we set speed limits for scooters? Should helmets be mandatory? What about dirt bikes or vespas—where can they be used safely?”

Education will be a key part of the solution. Stevenson calls for a city-wide communication campaign to clarify where scooters, bikes, and e-vehicles can—and cannot—be used.

“We don’t have bike lanes, but we do have shared-use paths,” she explains. “It’s about ensuring everyone knows the rules so our system is safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and riders alike.”

For Stevenson, the goal is clear: “Transportation is about connection. By building smarter systems, safer networks, and fairer access, we make Spruce Grove a city where everyone can get where they need to go.”

E-scooters waiting to be ridden at King Street and Grove Drive, September 2025

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).