Transportation Master Plan Open House on Sept. 10

By Heather Cameron
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In-person Open House events for the Transportation Master Plan will take place on September 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the M.D. of Taber Main Operations and Maintenance Facility and on September 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Vauxhall and District Seniors Centre.

“The purpose of these events is to follow up and share with residents and stakeholders the draft Transportation Master Plan (TMP) for the M.D. of Taber,” said Arlos Crofts, Chief Administrative Officer for the M.D. of Taber. “We aim to share the results of the January 2024 public engagement and present the draft recommendations for the Transportation Master Plan. The feedback from January 2024 was invaluable. Residents provided insights on key transportation issues, priorities, and opportunities, which have been incorporated into the draft Transportation Master Plan.”

Attendees, Crofts says, will have the opportunity to review detailed presentations on the draft Transportation Master Plan, ask questions, and provide feedback. 

In addition to the two in-person events on September 10th and 11th, Crofts says, there will also be a Digital Engagement Session on Zoom on September 17.

“The online Digital Engagement Session on September 17, 2024 offers a convenient way for residents who cannot attend in person to participate,” said Crofts. “It will cover the same information as the in-person events, including presentations and Q&A opportunities, but will be conducted virtually, allowing for broader access and engagement.”

Crofts says that the upcoming Open House events and Digital Engagement Session are key steps in finalizing the plan before it is presented to Council for approval. 

“The sessions will include displays and information stations where our project team will be available to discuss specific concerns and ideas directly with the community,” said Crofts.

Crofts says that the Open House events are open to all residents of the M.D. of Taber, as well as interested stakeholders, businesses, and community groups.

“Attendees will gain more understanding of the Transportation Master Plan, including its goals, strategies, and proposed infrastructure projects,” said Crofts. “They will also learn how their feedback may have helped shaped the plan and what the next steps are in the process. We encourage everyone to attend and share their perspectives on the future of transportation in our region.”

The idea for a comprehensive Transportation Master Plan for the M.D. of Taber, Crofts says, began with the need to address regional transportation challenges and opportunities. 

“Over time, this evolved into a collaborative effort involving community input, expert analysis, and strategic planning, resulting in the draft TMP we have today,” said Crofts. “The plan has grown to address not only immediate transportation needs but also future growth, sustainability, and connectivity across the region.”

No formal registration is required for the in-person events, Crofts says, as residents can simply drop in during the event times, but for the online Digital Engagement Session on September 17, 2024, pre-registration is required by contacting Connor Smith at Al-Terra Engineering by phone at 780-577-4225 or by email at CSmith@Al-Terra.com. 

“Attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of the Transportation Master Plan’s objectives, the proposed infrastructure projects, and how these plans will impact the future of transportation in the MD of Taber. They will also learn how their continued feedback can shape the final version of the plan,” said Crofts. “We encourage all residents to take advantage of these opportunities to engage with the Transportation Master Plan process. The M.D. of Taber is committed to transparency and community involvement. We believe these events are crucial in ensuring that our residents have a voice in shaping the future of our region. Bringing this information directly to our communities allows for open dialogue, collaboration, and a shared vision for our transportation network.”