An area of Okotoks' downtown corridor known for by residents and nearby businesses for its tendency to accumulate runoff water and ice recently got an upgrade from the Town of Okotoks.

The "bump-out" curb in front of Blunt Hair Studio was removed, with traffic calming curbs put in its place.

Transportation Supervisor Peter McDowell says the previous curb didn't allow for proper drainage, and its location made for dicey conditions in the winter.

"It's on the south side of the road with tall buildings behind it, so it gets little or no sun exposure in the wintertime, so it's very hard to have chinooks help you with getting rid of some of the snow back there."

He says the town was aware of concerns from residents and looked to other municipalities for inspiration in trying to provide a solution.

"We looked at different cities and municipalities that have used these traffic calming curbs. The CIty of Kelowna and City of Calgary and I believe Canmore are using them as well, so the Town of Okotoks though it was something worthwhile, let's give it a shot. We've had positive feedback so far, haven't heard anything negative."

The curbs can also be moved for ease of access during snow removal or street sweeping operations.

Aside from addressing the drainage issue, McDowell says the new curbs provide increased security for pedestrians using the crosswalk and are designed to be visually pleasing.

"We installed some bollards and planters on there to add to the aesthetic, and there's a bike rack on one of them as well. We're able to move them in the wintertime as well if need by to do snow removal, so that would make it easier than having to pile snow up there."

He says if they prove to be successful in their function, the traffic calming curbs may be used in other areas of town.

 

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