Fort Macleod, the oldest town in southern Alberta, is set to receive its first traffic light, marking a sign of growth for the municipality and the region, according to Mayor Brent Feyter, a native of the historic town located 150 kilometers south of Calgary.
The installation of the traffic light at the intersection of Highway 3 and 18th Street is seen as a necessary solution to address safety concerns at the junction where a significant highway runs through the town. The decision to implement the traffic light followed discussions with Alberta Transportation, particularly in light of a new subdivision, Macleod Landing, being developed on 18th Street.
With over 11,000 vehicles passing through the intersection daily, residents, including Marianne Hellawell, have expressed worries about pedestrian safety due to the high traffic volume and speed of vehicles in the area. Construction of the traffic light began in late April and is expected to continue throughout the summer.
Despite safety challenges, Fort Macleod’s strategic location at the crossroads of two major highways has its advantages, attracting tourists and road trippers, as noted by Rachel Knudsen, the executive director of the town’s chamber of commerce. The town’s proximity to Calgary, Lethbridge, and easy access to major roads have also made it appealing to manufacturing businesses, contributing to a 20% population growth in the past five years.
The influx of new residents has led to increased demand for housing in Fort Macleod, with a vacancy rate of only 1.9% in 2025. To address this issue, developments like Macleod Landing are being pursued to provide more housing options while ensuring responsible growth, as emphasized by Mayor Feyter. As the community expands further, additional traffic lights may be considered to accommodate the growing population.
