Have your say

By Chantelle de Jonge Chestermere-Strathmore MLA

Life in Alberta is shaped by hard work, family, friends, and, in many cases, long drives. Whether you live on a farm, in a small town, a suburb, or a growing neighbourhood, you deserve a government that keeps up with the pace of life. From parents juggling school drop-offs to workers driving long distances to provide for their families, Albertans want practical decisions that support their daily lives, and our government is focused on exactly that.

Starting this month, Albertans can share their thoughts on raising speed limits on divided highways. An online survey is open until Dec. 12, giving Albertans a chance to weigh in on increasing the speed limit by 10 km/h on certain highways currently posted at 110 km/h. The survey also asks for input on how commercial trucks use the far-left lane on larger highways. This feedback will play an important role in shaping a mini-trial that will test a 120 km/h speed limit on divided highways and assess driving behaviour. To take part in the survey, please visit: alberta.ca/divided-highway-speed-limit-increase-survey.

This work comes alongside more than $1.5 billion in highway upgrades and safety improvements happening across Alberta this year alone. This includes the engineering of three interchanges over Hwy. 1 between Strathmore and Calgary: at RR 264 (de Havilland site), at Hwy. 791, and at Conrich/Garden Road. We are also planning a roundabout at the HWY 564 and HWY 9 intersection, among other major intersection upgrades across our constituency. Better roads save time, get exports to market faster, and keep families safe. Whether you’re hauling grain, driving the kids to hockey practice, or just making your daily commute, investments in better roads make a real difference.

As we continue supporting innovation and economic growth, we are also investing in the community spaces that contribute to Albertans’ quality of life and well-being. Our government is investing $7 million to support sport and recreation infrastructure projects throughout the province. 

The Active Communities Initiative is Alberta’s first grant program solely dedicated to funding sport and recreation infrastructure. Each project reflects the unique needs of its community, and together, they are projected to serve up to a million Albertans.

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office with your feedback and questions (Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca).

(Chantelle de Jonge is the MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore and the Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities)