Coaldale puts Automated Traffic Enforcement program on hold for 2026

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Sunny South News

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

Residents in Coaldale won’t see photo radar return in the new year, after councillors voted to put the town’s Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) program on hold for 2026. 

Last fall, councillors suspended the operation of the town’s Automated Traffic Enforcement Program for the remainder of 2025, and take some time to reassess the viability of the program.  

 Councillors voted 6-1 in favour of putting the ATE program on hold for 2026, with Coun. Lisa Reis voting against the motion during the Dec. 15, 2025 Town of Coaldale regular council meeting, where Clayton Rutberg, Director of Protective Services and Fire Chief/DEM presented and update to council regarding the town’s Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) program.  

“During the special council meeting of Sept. 22, it was moved that council suspend the town’s Automated Traffic Enforcement program for the remainder of 2025 and further that council reassess its viability and in the future,” said Rutberg, noting the purpose of the report was for council to reassess the town’s photo radar program and decide what services they would like to provide in 2026. 

“This is really to ensure clarity on the service level for the municipal enforcement program moving into 2026, and to assist us in preparing for budget,” he added. “Administration requires the direction of council on how they wish to proceed with the ATE program.” 

Rutberg presented several (decision) options for council, including that council put the ATE program on hold for 2026, that council reinstate the ATE program for 2026 or option three (to give) other direction to administration as determined by council. 

Councillors briefly discussed the update and asked questions prior to passing a motion, put forth by Coun. Jacen Abrey.  

Abrey said he was in support of putting the ATE program on hold in 2026 stating that he did not see “the financial benefit besides not calling it a cash cow.”

Coun. Lisa Reis requested an amendment be made to the motion, that unless it’s reinstated by the province, at which time (it) comes back to council for them to re-assess it. Abrey felt an amendment was not necessary and said that even if the province changes the rules to operating the ATE, they would need time to get things going again. “This gives them a year to plan on what they’re going to do, without having to worry about what’s council’s decision,” said Abrey, noting he would not accept a friendly amendment to the motion. 

Coun. Bill Chapman also spoke in favour of option one – putting the ATE program on hold in 2026 and asked two questions of Rutberg. 

“One of the main reasons for abandoning the program for this year is because a more of a break-even cost effort. I think by the time we had our labour and our manpower into it plus the return on investment and revenue from it, there would be a break-even point,” asked Chapman, to which Rutberg acknowledged Chapman’s correct statement.  

Chapman also inquired about messaging to the public and how the town would like to “develop the messaging” if it was going to be public knowledge. 

“Do we want to make our messaging as a need to ensure that people understand that speed is still going to be monitored by other means,” said Chapman. “That this is not the end of monitoring speed.” 

Rutberg said it was a good idea and noted there are many other means that can be taken to ensure that (speed) stays at a reasonable rate and said it’s something that can be looked at.