A school zone sign in Lacombe, Alberta. (Image Credit: Google Maps)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Increase safety

Lacombe city council approves amendments to playground and school zone hours

Feb 11, 2026 | 1:41 PM

Lacombe city council passed the third reading of a traffic bylaw that amends local school and playground zone hours to reflect current student travel patterns.

This means the start times for school and playground zones will be adjusted with updated hours to line up with when children are more likely to be in the areas. This includes Terrace Ridge School, which requested the review after it raised concerns about students arriving before existing school-zone hours were in effect.

School zones will now run from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Meantime, playground zones will now have operating hours from 7:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset.

The City of Lacombe says the change to move the start time from 8 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. was because of earlier student arrival times and increased morning activity in school and playground zones.

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“These changes are about keeping pace with how our community actually functions today,” said Matthew Goudy, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Lacombe. “Student travel patterns have changed over time, and Council agreed it was important to ensure our bylaws reflect when children are truly present and most vulnerable. This is a practical, proactive step to support community safety.”

The city says from an enforcement perspective, the changes bring greater clarity and consistency for motorists. In addition, 145 signs across the community will be updated, which will be completed within the signage operating budget.

“Clear, consistent zone hours make a real difference for driver awareness and compliance,” said Jason Dobirstein, Chief of Police, Lacombe Police Service. “These updated times better match when children are walking, cycling, and crossing roads. Our goal is always prevention first – slowing traffic during the times it matters most.”

A map of all designated school and playground zones is available on the City of Lacombe website.