The St. Paul County council has agreed to change the speed limit to 60 km/h on Range Road 43, from Wenzel Drive south, for 350 meters. The road leads to a residential subdivision known as Ernie’s Beach near Laurier Lake.
Division 1 Councillor Darrell Younghans explained that there has been an ongoing issue in the area where people have been destroying the speed limit signs. Previously, the speed limit was set at 30 km/h, while the speed limit leading up to the road was 80 km/h. Younghans mentioned that a residential suggested changing the speed limit to 60 km/h might deter vandalism, as “the sign may stay in place.”
The hope is that the new speed limit will help with the situation, as the transition from 80 km/h to 60 km/h won’t be as abrupt. Despite the change, the speed limit will remain 30 km/h within the residential subdivision, consistent with other subdivisions across the county.
Public Works Director Scott Jeffery noted that setting the speed limit on this road is tricky due to its location. He explained that it is a range road leading to a subdivision and added, “At the north end of the range road, there are some homes on the east side that we just want to bring awareness to start slowing down a bit because it’s really just a little bit tricky at the moment.”
Councilor Maxine Fodness emphasized that speed limit signs are typically posted on roads leading to subdivisions for safety purposes, particularly to protect children who may be around. She then made a motion to approve the item for the first reading, which was carried. Councillor Ross Krekoski made a motion to approve the second reading, which also passed. Younghans then motioned to proceed to the third reading, which was approved by Councillor Louie Dechaine.
Additionally, the amended bylaw includes a provision that vehicles in the County of St. Paul cannot drive over 30 km/h on any roadway located within any residential subdivision.
