(file photo/CKOM News Staff)

By CKOM News/paNOW/battlefordsNOW Staff

Traffic camera revenue funds 114 safety projects around Sask.

Jul 5, 2023 | 10:13 AM

Proceeds from photo radar are funding more than 100 traffic safety projects around Saskatchewan.

A total of 114 projects in 106 separate communities have been approved through the Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grants, including flashing crosswalk signage in North Battleford and bilingual stop signs featuring the Dene language on the Buffalo River Dene Nation.

Multiple First Nations in northern Saskatchewan are set to receive funding for various projects. James Smith Cree Nation is set to receive digital speed signs and traffic signage in Cree throughout the nation. The Lac La Ronge Indian Band will receive over $35,000 for a guard rail project.

Over $33,000 is set aside for the City of Prince Albert for pedestrian sidewalk safety initiatives.

The grants total almost $1.72 million, which the provincial government said is the highest amount awarded since the program’s inception in 2019.

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

13h ago

National

Ottawa to remove 30% investment cap for Canadian pension funds

17h ago

Budget woes

Golf and curling centre faces grim season without financial boost

20h ago

The safety projects will see new signs, lights, crosswalks and other safety measures installed around the province. The grants range from $1,024 for a road safety initiative in the Village of Young to $80,824 for a pedestrian-actuated signal at an intersection on 22nd Street in Saskatoon.

“Through this funding, we’ll see 114 new traffic safety projects across our province, all with the intention of improving safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians in our communities,” Don Morgan, minister responsible for SGI, said in a statement. “Thank you to the communities who applied for these grants and for taking initiative to improve safety in your neighbourhoods.”

The grants, which are funded through revenue from photo speed enforcement, are handed out twice a year. The program is currently accepting applications for the next round, and the deadline is Sept. 30.

Since 2019, the provincial government said a total of 671 community traffic safety projects have received funding the the program, for a total of more than $8.9 million.

Northeast and North Central regions

A number of communities from across the north central and northeast regions will benefit from the latest round of grants.

Both the City of Prince Albert and Town of Nipawin are for example receiving over $30,000 each for pedestrian cross walk safety initiatives.

Over $37,000 has been awarded to Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation for what’s being called a Community Safety Initiative.

The Town of Big River is receiving $40,000 for sidewalk installation for elementary school safety.

James Smith Cree Nation is getting over $23,000 which will be used for some digital speed signs near the school, as well as some Cree language traffic signs that will be placed throughout the community

The Resort Village of Candle Lake is also receiving $40,000 for a Fun Run Trail.

English River First Nation, Meath Park, RM of Garden River and District of Lakeland are each receiving over $10,000 for various safe initiatives related to lowering speed and pedestrian safety.

Red Earth Cree Nation is getting over $43,000 for pedestrian safety and speed management

Both the RM Rosthern and Southend are spending money on digital speed signs, and the Town of Spiritwood is installing speed bumps in the school zone.

The RM of Tisdale is receiving over $19,000 for its leave sooner, drive slower, live longer campaign.

Northwest Region

Many communities from the northwest will be among those benefiting from the grants announced.

The City of North Battleford is receiving over $37,000 for Flashing Crosswalk Signs

The Town of Biggar has been approved for $40,000 for Phase II of its Walking Path project.

Thunderchild First Nation received just shy of $34,000 for their Thunderchild First Nation Road Safety Initiative.

Over $25,000 will go to The Town of Raddisson for their Traffic Safety Initiative.

The Town of St. Walburg has been approved just under $23,000 for its ‘Slow Down Speeders’ project.

The Resort Village of Cochin has received just over $19,000 for Speed Alert Signs for Cochin & Meota and District Fire Departments.

Spiritwood will receive just under $4,500 for School Zone Speed Bumps

The full list of grants can be found on the provincial government’s website.