Accessible pedestrian signals installed in downtown Melfort

The issue was directed to city administration to review the operation of the signalized intersections along Burrows Ave., MacLeod Ave., and Crawford Ave., and propose solutions to address the safety concerns.

The request was reviewed, and it was recommended that accessible pedestrian signals (APS) be installed in the downtown core, as part of the 2026 capital budget. The city applied for an SGI Traffic Safety Fund Grant last fall and was awarded $79,741.00 to go toward the project. Cipywnyk said without that grant money, the entire project would need to be directly funded from capital reserves, and that limits the number of capital projects that can be done in a budget cycle.

She said the buttons assist pedestrians with vision or hearing loss to cross the road at locations controlled by traffic signals.

“APS provides audible (chirps) and vibrotactile (button will vibrate) feedback to help a person locate the push button and prompt the user, [and] which direction traffic is flowing,” she explained.

The APS buttons allowed the city to address accessibility issues for minimal capital costs, Cipywnyk said. The upgrade also tied into a city council resolution supporting the local ‘Age Friendly’ committee in Melfort, and its efforts to make the city a more accessible and inclusive place.

Cipywnyk said the city has also applied for the 2027 Traffic Safety Fund intake, to fund the installation of real-time speed display signs on Saskatchewan Dr. and Broadway Ave. N.

“The goal of the project would be to increase driver’s awareness of their speed as they enter the city and is a way to try and reduce speeding and related accidents,” said Cipywnyk.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Accessible pedestrian signals installed in downtown Melfort

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