Olds mayor Judy Dahl sees opportunity to convince the NDP government to pay for advance green turning signals at Highway 27 and 57 Avenue.
"We have a new government. They seem to think differently. So how will we know if we don't ask," Dahl said.
"They need to be apprised of the past history and the current data that we have. We need to produce the evidence-based facts to them, the reason why we need to work with them and this government is not aware of that."
Because a provincial highway runs through the intersection, the installation and operation of traffic control signals are the Alberta government's responsibility.
And that's why council decided not to include $90,000 advance green turning signals for the intersection when it passed its 2016 capital budget last month.
"The timing's not right. We don't have the $90,000 to do it," Dahl said. "We have to take today what our needs are, not what our wants are."
Chief administrative officer Norm McInnis said the province has told the town that Highway 27 and 57 Avenue does not meet its warrant for advance green signals.
Council said it would start a letter-writing campaign to change the province's mind.
"It's definitely not a safe intersection. On the other hand, I do believe there's the due diligence and responsibility of drivers to have some patience and slow down and try and pay attention to the lights. However, it doesn't seem to have a good track record," Dahl said.
The mayor added she will consult the local RCMP and fire department before writing a letter on the subject.
"They need to be apprised of the past history and the current data that we have. We need to produce the evidence-based facts to them, the reason why we need to work with them and this government is not aware of that." JUDY DAHL, Olds mayor
