An Irricana intersection will not only be a bit brighter with the addition of a new streetlight, but will also help move forward another project – the installation of a solar crosswalk sign on First Avenue to Lions Centennial Park.
Interim Chief Administrative Officer Dawn Mosondz told Irricana Town council Aug. 15 though the streetlight wasn’t budgeted for 2016, it could be added into an existing capital funding project.
With the minimum amount to apply for Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding about $20,000, Mosondz said the $5,487 cost of the streetlight complimented the $15,000 cost of the solar crosswalk sign.
“Now that we have the two items that fall under the same category of MSI, I can submit the applications at the same time,” she said.
The need for a streetlight at the intersection of First Avenue and Pioneer Drive was brought to the attention of council following residents’ complaints regarding lighting, Mosondz said.
“Due to a lack of lighting, this is a safety issue not only for vehicles but also for pedestrians in the area,” she said.
As the solar crosswalk sign will take about six weeks to arrive, Mosondz said she hoped the streetlight would be completed in a similar time frame.
A report detailing the purpose and funding of open MSI projects will be added to council’s agenda each quarter.
Mosondz said due to CAO changes in Irricana in the past few years, consistent maintenance of MSI projects has been neglected.
“By having a report, (council) can see where projects are at,” she said. “As new projects are applied for and approved, council can see what needs to be done.”
The report showed Irricana currently has 13 MSI projects open, though Mosondz said some have been completed and are awaiting final approvals to be removed from the list.
Mayor Dennis Tracz complimented Mosondz on the update and requested council see it more often.
“This is a great report and I think we should have this as a standing (one) so that we can see projects as it transpires,” he said.
The search for Irricana’s official flower will be on the docket at Irricana’s 2016 IdeaFest in October.
Though Town administration suggested the gaillardia pulchella for council’s consideration, residents are also being asked to bring forward flower recommendations.
Mosondz said administration suggested the gaillardia pulchella due to its ability to grow “outside the box” as well as survive and persevere through harsh Alberta weather.
“The gaillardia is the flower that has been most dominant in our Town and our flower beds,” she said. “Its centre is also red so it is referred to as the ‘fire in your belly.’”
Mosondz said a notice would be sent in the September newsletter informing residents to enter submissions for flowers. Those suggestions, along with the gaillardia pulchella, will be presented at IdeaFest for selection.
