Town of Oyen council talks about traffic sign changes May 12
By Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Your West Central Voice
The Town of Oyen council decided through resolution to change how certain traffic signs are handled on one end of town. The decision was made at the May 12 regular meeting of council.
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Sacha Martens presented councillors with a request for decision (RFD) regarding the following item: "Conversion of Traffic Signs Near Ball Diamonds, 7th Ave. (White vs. Yellow)"
During her verbal presentation Martens noted that the traffic signs in the area in question are currently yellow; under provincial traffic laws, yellow signs are suggestions only.
Martens stated that staff were presenting councillors with a request to change the signs to white, which means the signs are mandatory.
The CAO explained town staff examined the area around the ball diamonds, including the large number of recreational features in the area, coupled with the summer season coming up and felt changing the warning signs from a suggestion to slow down to an instruction to slow down was a good idea.
As councillors discussed the RFD, the traffic signs along Main Street, at Oyen Public school, were mentioned. Martens responded those signs could and should be a separate issue and that staff at this time were only asking about 7th Ave. It was also observed during discussion that the number of four-way stops on Main Street act as a traffic calming measure.
Councillors unanimously passed a motion to change the yellow traffic signs on 7th Ave. to white traffic signs.
That's that
The CAO presented councillors with an RFD related to Bylaw 939-26 Multifamily Residential Incentive Program. Martens noted that this bylaw was introduced before she came to work for the Town of Oyen.
There was only brief discussion when councillors defeated third reading of the bylaw.
Duly ratified
Martens provided councillors with an update on Oyen's Residential Rebate Program. She pointed out an email sent Apr. 20 in order to get a quicker response on the issue. The email responses resulted in four received Apr. 20, one Apr. 21, one Apr. 22 and unanimous approval. However, the CAO noted that agreement must be ratified in the council meeting.
Councillors unanimously agreed that they ratify the Residential Rebate Program, previously circulated by email on April 20, 2026, and approved unanimously by all responding members.
Council reports
During Mayor Doug Jones' report he observed that construction of an apartment building in Oyen is back on track. Jones stated that the contractor was working on siding the building, among other things.
Staff reports
During the staff reports part of the agenda a storm drain issue was identified near the Oyen hospital.
During the rec department update it was noted that despite difficulty, repairs to the public swimming pool have been or will be soon completed. Councillors asked if the pool will be open by May long weekend but staff were cautious and stated that cool weather was affecting the pool's warmth and opening day might be closer to the beginning of June.
Private deliberations
Councillors moved into "closed session" to discuss matters under ATIA (Access to Information Act). While they may discuss those matters in closed session, resolutions must be voted on in the open meeting. Therefore, after returning to the public meeting they passed the following resolutions:
Deputy Mayor Jack Hauck moved that the council of the Town of Oyen approve a $150,000 installation payment payable to Smith and Hersey in trust for the CN Rail Right of Way purchase, to be funded from 2026 operations, passed.
Coun. Dustin Dick moved the council of the Town of Oyen approve installation of the proper drainage culvert (400 mm) to remediate the situation at 210 3rd Street NE, passed.
Coun. Ann O'Connor moved the council of the Town of Oyen approve the DFWL lease agreement commencing July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, as presented, passed.