There is nothing like a facility that employs thousands of people to boost a local community. There’s no doubt Cargill Beef, just north of High River, has created jobs and stimulated the economy, from feedlots in the area to restaurants in Okotoks and High River. Cargill employees have also provided an international flair to the area, particularly in High River, which is much more multicultural than it was 10 years ago. However, through no fault of Cargill, which has been a solid corporate citizen, all those valued employees are starting to cause a bit of traffic issues at the facility on Highway 2A. Drive by the plant during shift change and drivers need to be on high alert. Cargill has rightfully written to the MD of Foothills to see if it can work with them to come to a solution — a solution that will not only benefit Cargill employees but drivers from Okotoks, High River, the MD of Foothills and hopefully tons of tourists who are coming to visit those communities. Cargill isn’t asking for the MD to foot the bill, but to work together as a team in discussions with Alberta Transportation. The government has come through in the past — the building of the Aldersyde overpass and the extension of 498 Avenue has meant considerably less truck traffic, especially for High River. There’s also a few things that John Q. Public can do to keep the employee entrance safe. The turning lanes for employees and trucks are just that — they aren’t passing lanes for those who are mad because the guy in front of him is only driving 100km per hour. And hey, pay attention out there. Those are short-term solutions, in the long-term, the MD of Foothills, Cargill and the province should get something done before a tragedy happens. If that happens, the real beef about traffic concerns will begin.
