Driving a golf cart on designated roadways at Buffalo Lake could be a reality once a local bylaw is given final approval.
Stettler County council took a look at this during their second meeting of March, as the summer villages at Buffalo Lake have requested to take part in a provincial pilot program. (Mar 27)
In 2024, the province of Alberta introduced a five year project to allow municipalities to regulate the use of golf carts on select roadways.
This is the first type of vehicle to fall under municipal jurisdiction, as communities will need to determine appropriate roadways and maintain a database of registered vehicles.
In February, council designated the summer villages and Buffalo Lake subdivisions under this bylaw, along with the connector road between Bay View Street and White Sands.
Staff explained the speed limit on the connector road would need to be lowered from 80 km/hr to 50 km/hr, as golf carts would not be allowed on roadways over this speed limit.
County staff anticipate around 10 signs will be needed to educate the public, with an estimated cost of between $4,500-$6,000.
Area hamlets have also inquired about the pilot project, but at this time the County of Stettler is just looking at Buffalo Lake.
Operators would need to be at least 14 years old, hold a valid operators license and cannot drive their golf carts at night.
A final bylaw also needs approval from the province’s Registrar of Motor Vehicles and will determine fees for self-registration.
Proposed Designated Highways For Golf Carts
Scenic Sands – MacDonald Drive, Buffalo Drive, View Place, Poplar Drive, Whitetail Place, Range Road 21-1A within the NW-14-40-21-4
Buffalo Sands – Buffalo Lane, Aspen Crescent, Sunset Lane, Park Ridge Way
Buffalo Lake Meadows – St Georges Way, St. Georges Road, Vincent Way, Tim’s Lane, Hill Close
Rochon Sands Estates – Buffalo Way, Pony Drive, Whitetail Close
Rochon Sands Heights – Choke Cherry Lane, Bay View Street, Marina Crescent, Marina Place, Marina View Close, Island View Close, Range Road 20-4 north of Bay View Street and South of Township Road 40-4
Council passed a motion to seek clarification on whether multiple permits would be needed to travel between summer villages, or if a joint portal could be set up for lake residents to self-register their golf carts.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
