Driving south from Calgary on Highway 2, motorists will notice a gradual decrease in speed limits as they approach Nanton, Alberta. The town is uniquely divided by the highway, creating a situation where residents coexist with passing traffic. However, concerns have arisen regarding speeding vehicles and drivers navigating in the wrong direction, particularly those unfamiliar with the area.
Mayor Jennifer Handley of Nanton has observed an average of one wrong-way driver per day, with some attributing the confusion to travelers from British Columbia. Additionally, the noise generated by heavy trucks passing through town, using engine retarder brakes, has been a point of contention among residents.
In Claresholm, another town split by Highway 2, a resident raised concerns about noise pollution and disrupted sleep caused by passing traffic. The potential construction of a bypass for Highway 3 in Fort Macleod is also in the works, with discussions ongoing regarding the impact it may have on the town’s infrastructure.
Small towns in Alberta, like Nanton and Claresholm, are grappling with the challenges posed by major highways running through their communities. Local officials are taking measures to address traffic violations, with Nanton employing a strict peace officer known for enforcing speed limits rigorously. In contrast, Claresholm has installed a traffic light, the only one along Highway 2 up to Edmonton, to manage traffic flow.
Discussions are underway in Nanton to potentially install a traffic light near a popular candy shop, given the increasing pedestrian activity and speeding issues. The town’s chief administrative officer, Neil Smith, emphasized the need for improved traffic control measures, especially during the busier summer months.
While the presence of highways benefits businesses by attracting a steady flow of visitors, concerns persist regarding safety and quality of life in these communities. Both Nanton and Claresholm house establishments, like Roy’s Place and The Candy Store, that rely heavily on highway traffic for customer engagement and revenue generation.
Despite the economic advantages, some residents express apprehension over the potential hazards associated with highway traffic, such as hazmat spills and damage to historical monuments. The ongoing dialogue about highway bypasses underscores the complex balance between economic growth and community well-being in these southern Alberta towns.