Economic Sustainability is one of the pillars of Council's Strategic Plan. Improved wayfinding was identified as a means to grow our tourism industry by promoting what Rocky Mountain House has and creating a sense of community identity for visitors to our Town, helping to recognize Rocky as a destination.
As part of the 2024 capital budget, Council allocated $50,000 to the development of a complete Wayfinding Signage Program. Following the RFP process, the Town contracted McElhanney to develop the program at a cost of $42,000. Additionally, $200,000 was allocated in the 2025 capital budget for installing signage.
Town staff worked with the consultants to provide direction on the final report and implementation strategy, which integrates existing Town guidelines and plans for a cohesive, impactful and practical wayfinding program.
As per the Wayfinding Program Final Report, a wayfinding program is more than just signposts and arrows. It can support vibrant community districts, connectivity, community diversity and inclusivity and placemaking. Some of the objectives of the project are community enhancement, promoting our Town's unique essence and character and identifying key destinations. All of which support the Economic, Social and Governance goals of Council's Strategic Plan.
The design process of the signs drew from public feedback on the Town's identity received during recent public engagement processes. The river confluence and natural timbers stood out both visually and for its feasibility, celebrating the Town's history and natural beauty in a simple design.
The program includes six types of signs, which have been designed for different purposes. These are primary vehicular signs, secondary vehicular signs, pedestrian signs, trail signs, directory map signs and event signs.
The consultants' recommendation of nearly 200 locations for the different sign types across Town was interpreted by Administration into an implementation strategy that proposed a three-year phased approach.
Phase One, as budgeted for in the 2025 capital budget, is focused on central vehicular wayfinding, supporting Council's effort to improve access to the downtown core. Additionally, the existing trail maps that are installed throughout Town will be updated with new maps, as there have been several improvements to the Town's trail system in recent years.
If Council chooses to budget the additional phases of the project, they have been proposed as follows:
Phase Two is focused on adding additional vehicular wayfinding at the secondary locations identified, as well as installing central pedestrian signage in significant locations, such as along main street and in the central recreation areas.
Phase Three would see additional pedestrian signage installed to strengthen the experience of traveling our community on foot and the installation of event signage on the main entrances to Town, designed to match the rest of the program.
It was proposed that additional trail wayfinding be explored if active transportation grant funding becomes available. The program's final report identified increased trail direction and distance markers as a way to improve users' experience on the Town's trail system.
Under Council's direction, Administration brought the RFP responses to complete Phase One of the Wayfinding Signage Project to Council at their May 6, 2025 meeting. Council approved the proposal quoted at $137,928.13, from the 2025 budgeted amount of $200,000.00.
The contract for the design, supply and installation of Phase One of the Wayfinding Signage was awarded to Burke Group.
The timeline for the project has been identified as summer and fall of 2025, with installation scheduled to be completed in September.
At the July 15, 2025, Regular Council Meeting, Administration brought a report requesting an additional $20,000.00 to complete Phase One of the Wayfinding Sign project.
It was determined during One Calls for this project that the installation locations will require hydrovac excavation (concrete bases) instead of mechanical excavation (screw piles), increasing the installation costs of the project by $20,000.00.
Council passed the resolution to provide additional funding of $20,000.00 for a total of $157,918.13 to complete Phase One from the allocated 2025 Wayfinding Sign Project budgeted amount of $200,000.00.
Links
Wayfinding Program Final Report
Wayfinding Program Design and Implementation Summary
May 6, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Agenda
July 15, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Agenda
