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Project Annya
Project Annya
Advocacy Initiative for Highway Safety Improvements Receives Overwhelming Response
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
On July 23, 2025, a tragic accident at the intersection of Highway 16 and Highway 855 claimed the life of 17-year-old Mundare area resident Annya Palsitt.
“She was only four and a half miles from home,” said father Bernie Palsitt during a telephone interview on Sept. 13.
In a recent Facebook post, Bernie shared a heartfelt message, stating: “At 5:11 pm seven weeks ago I got a phone call that changed my life forever. We lost this beautiful, energetic, ambitious and wonderful young lady. Not a day has gone by that I mess her sweet voice, warming smile, joyful laughter, sarcastic comments, spitfire attitude and delicious baking. Also, teaching me new meaning to words.”
Bernie went on to say, “This tragic accident happened at an intersection that needed an overpass many years ago. It is too busy and lacks sufficient traffic controls.” While recent signage and enforcement have helped, those measures have not been sufficient enough to stop the frequent serious accidents at the intersection.
That is why he, with the support of family and close friends started the Project Annya website. “Our mission is getting an overpass built as soon as possible to prevent accidents and fatalities at this intersection.”
Project Annya team member Darren Pasay, said, “This is a tragic situation that could have been prevented with proper traffic control at an intersection which has been a known hazard for decades. It is encouraging that the MLA has brought this forward to the Ministry of Transportation and our hope is that the project is funded in the spring budget.”
The website (www.projectannya.ca) features ‘Letters for Change’ that gives visitors the opportunity to electronically send a petition letter to Hon. Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, and a petition letter to Hon. Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA.
Bernie, along with team members Darren Pasay and Karen Stokowski met with Dreeshen, officials in his ministry as well as Armstrong Homeniuk on Aug. 18. At that time, a review of the Functional Planning Study that was completed in the winter of 2025 was provided. That FPS recommended a Diamond Interchange as the most cost-effective solution for the intersection at Highway 16 and Highway 855.
Armstrong-Homeniuk delivered a package of petitions to transportation officials at that meeting, and has prioritized Project Annya as her constituency’s top infrastructure initiative.
Key points outlined during the meeting:
•The next step is securing a budget allocation of $2–3 million for Preliminary and Detailed Design.
•This request will be submitted to the Treasury Board in December 2025, with a decision expected in the February 2026 Provincial Budget.
•Upon approval, the Preliminary and Detailed Design phases are projected to take approximately 18 months.
•Subsequent Treasury Board submission and Provincial Budget allocation will be required for land acquisition and construction, estimated at $45 million.
•Construction is anticipated to take less than three years, though funding may be distributed across multiple fiscal years.
Project Annya team member Darren Pasay, said, “This is a tragic situation that could have been prevented with proper traffic control at an intersection which has been a known hazard for decades. It is encouraging that the MLA has brought this forward to the Ministry of Transportation and our hope is that the project is funded in the spring budget.”
While Bernie would like things to move along at a faster pace, he and his team will continue their advocacy efforts, and plan to schedule a follow up meeting with Armstrong-Homeniuk in December. The purpose of the meeting will be to review the status of the Treasury Board submission. Additionally, he plans to request a post provincial budget meeting in February 2026 to discuss outcomes and next steps.
Bernie was told that if everything aligns with the process and plan, construction of an overpass could possibly start in 2028. He is encouraged by the “overwhelming response” to the initiative and that if people want to help to go to the website.
