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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDTS-07-088 - Changes for 2007-08 School YearREPORT Report To: Development and Technical Services Committee Date of Meeting: Submitted By: Prepared By: Ward(s~ Involved: Date of Report: Report No.: May 28, 2007 John P. McBride Ronald K. Schirm South Ward May 17, 2007 DTS 07-088 Subject: CHANGES FOR THE 2007-08 SCHOOL YEAR RECOMMENDATION: This Report is for information purposes only. BACKGROUND: Transportation Planning staff have been working over the past several years with staff at the Waterloo Regional Health Unit and staff from both School Boards in developing programs to encourage students to pursue more active modes of transportation to and from school. Transportation Planning is taking a more active role prior to the opening of the new school to ensure more success in encouraging students in walking to and from school while still accommodating for the drop off/pick up of children in vehicles in suitable areas. REPORT: With the exception of the opening of the new school in the Activa subdivision there are no boundary changes at this point in time for any public or separate schools in the City. There are also, at this point in time, no changes to school routes or to crossing guard facilities anticipated for the start of the 2007-08 School Year. Bell times for the new School Year have yet to be determined and crossing guard duty times will be adjusted accordingly to reflect any changes when necessary. Staff continues to work closely with staff at both the Waterloo Region District School Board and the Waterloo Region Separate School Board on all school related traffic matters. I. Williamsburg Public School In September 2007 Williamsburg Public School will be opening in the South Ward. Most of the students attending the new school were at W.T. Townshend School on Activa Drive. Attendance at this Kindergarten to grade 6 school is anticipated to be 500 students, none of whom are eligible for bussed transportation. Williamsburg Public School will also feature a daycare facility on site. Elementary schools are presenting challenges in that a greater percentage of students are being driven to and from school in private vehicles, creating significant traffic congestion and safety issues for students. The school site design of Williamsburg Public School has been made more pedestrian friendly, with multiple pedestrian accesses from neighbouring streets. There will be sufficient parking on site for staff, visitors and approximately 12 vehicles to drop off/pick up students. These parking spots are intended for parents of kindergarten students and will be monitored by a school board hired adult parking monitor. Transportation Planning will arrange to have school zone no stopping signs installed along the frontage of the school to deter parents from congregating with their vehicles in front of the school. Parents will be encouraged to use neighbouring streets for vehicular pick up/drop off of students. Dissipating traffic at multiple locations has been the safest, most effective way in reducing the effect of school related vehicular traffic on a neighbourhood. Enforcement Staff will initially educate parents before enforcement begins in earnest later in September. In order to facilitate walkers the following has been initiated. School Board staff met with Engineering staff to review sidewalk facilities to address any deficiencies. A sidewalk was constructed on the south side of Fisher Hallman Road from the walkway from Bush Clover Crescent to Fisher Hallman Road to Cotton Grass Street. All other streets in the catchment area feature sidewalks on both sides of the road. At an open house for the new school held in November 2006 Transportation Planning staff in attendance were able to address the many question and concerns that came forward. A subsequent open house at Williamsburg Public School will be held in August, at which time Transportation Planning staff will have another opportunity to meet with parents and resolve any issues that arise. Staff also conducted a safety audit of the surrounding streets with staff from the school. It has been agreed that a study of the intersection of Isabella Street and Max Becker Drive will be conducted the first week of school to determine if a crossing guard is warranted at this location. In meeting with parents and school officials, two routes for a walking school bus were proposed. One route is to travel along Max Becker Drive from Activa Avenue to Isabella Street and then to the school. The second route will be established on Activa Avenue from Snow Drop Crescent to Max Becker Drive, Isabella Street and then to the school. Transportation Planning, with staff from the Waterloo Regional Health Unit will assist in establishing this highly successful program. Atrial walk of the walking school bus routes will be arranged at the August open house. Staff will also be meeting with staff and parents at W.T. Townshend School in June 2007 to discuss several issues, including the impact of Williamsburg Public School on school traffic safety at Townshend. Transportation Planning will continue to work with school staff and parents throughout the School Year to assist in making Williamsburg Public School safe for all children attending the school. II. School Route Map Distribution In September of each school year school route maps are distributed to the 20,000 elementary school children in the City. These maps feature all facilities and information for parents and children to determine the safest way to and from their individual school. These maps also contain information to encourage school children to choose a more active way to and from school. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: At this point there is no additional cost. A report will be submitted if a crossing guard is deemed necessary and at that time funding for the facility will be requested. The School route maps are funded through the crossing guard operating budget. COMMUNICATIONS: The most effective time for communication of all school traffic safety related issues is just prior to the commencement of the new school year. Transportation Planning staff will be attending a meeting at Williamsburg Public School in August (date to be determined) which is open to all parents of students attending the school. Parents will have an opportunity to field any questions and concerns regarding the school traffic safety initiatives. CONCLUSION: It is felt that by working with school staff and by being more proactive students will be more likely to pursue more active forms of transportation to and from their new school. This will make the school site and surrounding area safer for all students attending the school as well as benefiting the neighbourhood in general by providing more on street pedestrian activity and help our environment by reducing vehicle kilometres driven. Ronald K. Schirm, Supervisor Adult Crossing Guards Transportation Planning John P. McBride, Director Transportation Planning RKS