Last week, we reached out to our membership to share any concerns they wished to be addressed at our December 4 meeting with the Alberta Minister of Transportation Brian Mason.

Based on the responses we received, here are the key issues that were discussed with Minister Mason.

Firstly, CAEP requested leniency on wayfinding and directional signage in Ministry of Transportation right-of-ways. CAEP shared that TODDS is insufficient and many private-industry tourism experiences do not meet the parameters of the program. If the Province is seriously interested in growing the tourism economy, changes need to be brought forward regarding policy. Tourism is growing in our region, especially as traffic flow to – and through – the national parks increases. The minister agreed to move forward with an ask of administration for a briefing note on the topic.

The minister then spoke about the potential for development of rural transit systems as a result, in part, of private bus lines limiting service to rural communities. CAEP identified a successful project from our Transit Study: BOLT, a transit line between Lacombe, Blackfalds, and Red Deer. CAEP will provide the transportation study to the minister for review.

CAEP also supported the work of Access Prosperity, and the Red Deer Regional Airport’s runway expansion and land development projects. CAEP identified that the Regional Investment Attraction Matrix, currently under development, and exclusive to Central Alberta, supports the work that Access Prosperity does; the transportation and logistics industry has been identified as one of the top 12 priority industries in that matrix.

In addition to the meeting with Minister Mason, Red Deer North MLA Kim Schreiner brought business leaders, and community influencers together from across the region to share concerns and opportunities with the minister.