Spruce Grove mulls plans for new wayfinding signage

SPRUCE GROVE -- New wayfinding signage is being planned in the City of Spruce Grove.

The goal of the project is to implement new signage across the municipality to improve navigation, accessibility, and the overall experience of residents and visitors moving throughout the community. Signage identified as a priority for the project will include a new welcome sign on Highway 16, as well as new trail safety and navigation signs. Over the past year, work has been undertaken by Cygnus Design Group to develop project standards across wayfinding environments.

"The standards give us a consistent framework for wayfinding across the city, while recognizing three distinct environments: City-wide, parks and trails, and the City Centre," said Jeanine Merkus, Director of Recreation and Culture. "They also provide us a roadmap on how implementation could be approached in phases over time."

Early design direction had previously been presented to Council in Closed Session, providing them with an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the proposed visual identity, colour palette, signage hierarchy, and overall approach. While a number of different areas of Spruce Grove are expected to see new signage, the main feature of the new wayfinding initiative is expected to be the new welcome sign on Highway 16.

"The sign is a great example of how the broader wayfinding standards will translate into the physical environment," said Merkus. "It carries through the materials, colours, and design language, while creating a stronger and more recognizable entrance into the City of Spruce Grove."

At their meeting on Aug. 24, 2026, Spruce Grove Council approved a motion to direct staff to bring forward future implementation and associated funding requirements for consideration through the Budget and Fiscal Plan process. Communications will be developed as future wayfinding improvements are approved and advanced. 

"Looking through the design over the various iterations, I think it's striking -- that urban, modern, clear, easy-to-read, way of wayfinding that I think we've been talking about for about ten years," said Jeff Acker, Mayor of Spruce Grove. "Really excited to see this coming to fruition."