Unmarked crosswalks exist at most intersections where there is a connecting sidewalk. These crossings are recognized by having a pair of para-ramps (drop curbs) on the opposite sides of a road. There are no painted lines or signs at an unmarked crosswalk.

Parallel marked crosswalks consist of white parallel lines designating the crossing area. These crosswalks are usually accompanied by vertical signs.

“Zebra” marked crosswalks consist of wide longitudinal stripes on the road (perpendicular to the crossing route). Zebra Crossings are usually found around schools and are accompanied by signage.

Rapid flashing beacons are pedestrian-activated lights consisting of two or more rapidly flashing amber beacons, usually mounted at the side of the road. 

Overhead flashers are pedestrian-activated flashing amber lights mounted above traffic lanes.

Crosswalks controlled by traffic signals are pedestrian activated if a pedestrian button is present, or on a timer if there is no pedestrian button. Pedestrians will see the WALK / DON’T WALK signal mounted on the opposite sides of the marked crosswalk.

A ‘speciality’ or ‘decorative’ crosswalk uses non-standard colours and road markings to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a neighbourhood or local community. Speciality crosswalks may consist of artwork or geometric shapes that are painted between the white parallel lines found at most marked crosswalks.

To ensure road safety is not compromised all requests for speciality crosswalks will be reviewed by the City’s Transportation Department. As part of the application process the applicant will need to submit details regarding the location and design of the speciality crosswalk. Approvals will be granted for a period of up to three years, thereafter the applicant will need to submit a new request for approval.

Speciality crosswalks can only be installed at existing marked crosswalks, on roads having a posted speed of 50kph or lower. A speciality crosswalk cannot replace an existing zebra crossing.
The applicant should note that the City will not resurface the road or undertake any unscheduled repairs in preparation for the installation of a speciality crosswalk.

As part of the approval process the applicant will need to submit details of the proposed design. To improve conspicuity of the specialty crosswalk applicants are encouraged to present designs that maximize the contrast between colours. Applicants should also consider how the crosswalk will appear when wet and at night. The decorative paintwork must fit within the white parallel crosswalk markings, no painting will be permitted on or outside the parallel crosswalk markings. Designs that confuse or distract users will not be accepted.

The design of the specialty crosswalk will be refused if it:

• is political or commercial in nature,
• is discriminatory or offensive,
• shows any inflammatory, libelous, or obscene content,
• shows images that are trademarked/copyrighted,
• contains text or images that distract road users and/or
• is deemed unsuitable by the Transportation Director

Designs that are declined, can be modified and resubmitted. If the revised design is not approved the applicant can appeal, in writing, to the Director of Transportation who will carry the final decision.

Applications for a speciality crosswalk will only be accepted from ‘not for profit’ organizations having a presence in the City of Grande Prairie. The application will need to be approved by the local community or neighbourhood association. If there is no active community or neighbourhood association the applicant will need to provide evidence of local community support.

There is no application fee for a speciality crosswalk. However, the applicant will be responsible for purchasing all the road paint required to paint the speciality crosswalk. Applicants should note that only approved road paints will be permitted and that the crosswalk will need repainting every year. Applicants should also note that decorative crosswalks can occasionally attract vandalism and that it will be the applicant’s responsibility to remove or repaint any affected parts of the crosswalk and to undertake any necessary maintenance.

The City will paint the white parallel crosswalk markings and will provide the traffic accommodation while the decorative paintwork is being painted. The applicant will be responsible for organizing the labour, and for providing the painting equipment, required to paint the decorative crosswalk. The applicant must have liability insurance and provide a copy of the policy to the City.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, or need more information on speciality crosswalks, you can email your enquiry to Traffic Engineering Department at trafeng@cityofgp.com. 

Speciality Crosswalk Application Form