The signs the city has used to get people from point A to point B will be getting not just a facelift, but a whole new strategy in 2013.
A consultant, in conjunction with the city, is developing a way-finding master plan. Approved in the 2012 budget, once complete, the plan will make it easier for motorists to get to different parts of St. Albert.
“What we were hearing was that people were not finding their way around St. Albert as easily as they should have, particularly to amenities,” said Joan Barber, manager of marketing and research for economic development. “It’s not only a plan for tourists, but for residents as well … to get people moving through the city as efficiently as possible.”
No designs for new signs have been approved, though council did approve $100,000 in the 2013 budget to implement the plan. According to Barber, the master plan should be finished later this month.
Once completed, the city will install and replace vehicle guide signs, information kiosks, pedestrian signs, signs on Red Willow Trail and different block markers.
Barber said the plan is focused on getting people from one part of town to another instead from one specific location to another.
“We’ve determined that we can get you to the area. Then it’s up to the business,” Barber said. She added the plan does not contemplate any changes to residential neighbourhoods or addresses.
“We will get people to business areas, recreation amenities and shopping areas, but no, we haven’t addressed the residential component.”
