At the Oct. 8 County of Stettler council meeting it was noted there was a gap in the Hamlet of Erskine’s streetlight coverage, specifically along Park Street; staff noted this is one of the busier streets in Erskine as it connects the curling rink, school and community hall.
ECA Review/Submitted
The County of Stettler is doing everything it can to light up the lives of some of its hamlet residents. A resolution to approve a new streetlight was passed at the Oct. 8 regular meeting of council.
Councillors heard a report from Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Yvette Cassidy regarding new streetlights recently installed in the Hamlet of Erskine, located about 10 minutes west of the Town of Stettler.
“At the May 11, 2022, regular council meeting council heard a presentation from ATCO Electric to enhance the streetlights at the Hamlet of Erskine as well as the pros and cons of moving remaining non-invested street lights to an invested rate,” stated the staff memo to council.
“Council proceeded to complete Area 2 of the enhanced street lights in the Hamlet of Erskine and moved the remaining non-invested street lights to the invested rate.
“At the Feb. 14 regular council meeting, council approved ATCO Electric’s proposal to complete Area 1 and Area 3.
Upon completion concerns were raised regarding the safety of pedestrians along Park Street that has an area in the dark from a gap in the street lighting. On Oct. 1 we met with ATCO Electric and reviewed the attached design and photos outlining the illumination of Park Street.
“Consensus was reached that the addition of one more pole and streetlight would adequately address the issues.”
Readers should note “invested” and “non-invested” refer to streetlight ownership and maintenance details.
During discussion the CAO noted it was recently brought to the county’s attention there was a gap in Erskine’s streetlight coverage, specifically along Park Street; Cassidy noted this street is one of the busiest in Erskine as it connects the curling rink, school and community hall. It was observed the gap has been described as “quite dark.”
It was noted residents have voiced concern over safety due to this “dark spot.” Cassidy provided councillors with some photos taken by a resident. She added that, as far as the already-completed streetlight projects go, it seems most of the residents are happy with the results.
Cassidy stated that, originally, ATCO quoted the County of Stettler $6,000 to install one more streetlight to solve the “dark spot” problem. However, she noted that the County of Stettler recently received a note from ATCO that the”dark spot” light shouldn’t cost the taxpayers anything other than the power bill; the company further observed that the streetlight should be up and running before winter.
Reeve Larry Clarke, referring to the “dark spot,” noted that area has been a topic of concern for years with the reeve adding it’s even more of a concern in winter months.
The CAO stated it appears only one resident disliked the new streetlights, voicing displeasure.
Coun. Justin Stevens stated he spoke to the resident who claimed he was unaware of any new streetlights for Erskine and if informed would have opposed them. The resident stated that the county should have door-knocked to inform every resident of the new lights or sent a registered letter with the notice.
Stevens responded he informed the resident the County of Stettler used methods such as its website and social media to inform residents about the streetlight project with the resident responding he felt those methods were insufficient.
Stevens added he wouldn’t support door-knocking or registered letters for something like streetlight notification.
The CAO noted county staff try to use several different communication methods to inform as many people as possible, adding that most people like to see more nighttime lighting. Reeve Clarke agreed.
Coun. Stevens suggested residents could be more involved by keeping up with the County of Stettler website, social media and newsletter; Stevens added that over his past three years on council he’s shocked at how few people get involved.
Councillors unanimously approved a new streetlight for the Hamlet of Erskine’s Park Street as described.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
