Speed Limit Reductions Coming Soon
Speed limits along residential streets in Canmore will be reduced to 30 km/h. The work is planned to be completed ahead of summer, with dates to be announced. The relatively short distances between most residences and their closest 50 km/h roadway mean that there will be a minimal change in travel times for those travelling by car.  Lower speeds result in fewer injuries and fatalities and less damage in case of a collision – and pedestrians have a 90% chance of surviving a collision with a motor vehicle if that vehicle is travelling at 30km/h or less.  Law enforcement officers will issue warnings as drivers adjust to the new speed limit, but photo radar will not be implemented in these new areas. 

Cougar Creek Project Update
Council heard an update on the Cougar Creek Debris Retention Structure project that a new short-term scope of work was established and awarded to a new contractor, who is on the construction site this week. The scope of work includes protecting the existing work and fortifying the parts of the structure that are below-grade. Administration plans to return to Council later in the year with a comprehensive plan for full project completion expected in 2025, with work on many aspects of it underway.  A mutual termination agreement with Flatiron was signed on March 10 and they have completed demobilization from the site. 

Elevation Place Aquatic Centre Update
The Aquatics Centre at the Elevation Place has experienced partial and full closures since 2020 that were not all directly related to the provincial regulations associated with the pandemic. Administration has been working to address several challenges that have impacted service delivery, including staffing and training, planned and unplanned maintenance shutdowns, the completion of an air quality investigation, and public education regarding hygiene. These efforts have resulted in improved Aquatics Centre service and fewer disruptions.

Planning and Development Service Delivery Improvements
There have been a significant number of changes to processes within the department, including transitioning to an electronic application submission process and using an online inquiry form to replace the Planner-On-Call front desk service to track the type of inquiries received and ensure consistent and documented responses back to applicants. Continual updates to the information available on the website also help applicants find information more quickly. The department is open to feedback and plans to adjust and adapt its services to the changing needs within the market and development industry, in an effort to provide decisions within legislative time frames and at an acceptable level of customer service.

Council also heard the 2022 annual reports for:

• Municipal Enforcement – Community Peace Officers respond to complaints seven days a week to enforce bylaws and provincial statutes. They investigated 1,234 infractions, handled 267 lost and found calls, and issued 94 warnings and 105 tickets for off-leash pets.
• Automated Traffic Enforcement (photo radar) Of the 509,897 vehicles monitored last year, 7,039 speeding tickets were issued, meaning 1.4% of all vehicles monitored received a ticket. Operators spent 40% of their time in playground/school zones. 
• Paid Parking  – More than 12,000 resident parking permits were approved last year and residents activated just over 120,000 hours of free parking in the Town Centre. The vast majority of parking fees was paid by visitors to Canmore.