Lily Dejnicki is excited to return to school and hopes for reduced traffic congestion during the busy school dropoff and pickup times in Mississauga, Ontario.
The 13-year-old is eager for the revival of a trial initiative that aimed to alleviate traffic outside Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Elementary School by diverting cars away from the regular dropoff area. This pilot project, known as School Streets and endorsed by an environmental nonprofit, involved volunteers redirecting traffic during school hours using barriers and signage. The initiative encouraged students and parents to opt for walking or cycling to school instead of driving.
Reflecting on her experience, Lily, who is entering Grade 8, described the initiative as enjoyable, noting that it allowed kids to engage in outdoor activities and play after school.
Anita Dejnicki, Lily’s mother and a member of the school’s parental advisory council, observed increased interaction among parents and enhanced physical activity among students during the trial period.
With the new school year commencing, Green Communities Canada, an environmental organization, is persisting in its efforts to expand the School Streets program nationwide.
The successful pilot at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Elementary, lasting a month, is part of the broader National Active School Streets Initiative spearheaded by the organization. This initiative secured $3 million in funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada in 2024.
At least 20 School Streets are slated for implementation in the 2026-2027 academic year, following previous trials in six provinces across Canada.
Nicole Roach, the Sustainable Mobility Director at Green Communities Canada, explained that School Streets typically involve temporary barriers on a street adjacent to a school, chosen strategically to avoid disruptions for buses and students with disabilities.
Regarding safety and environmental concerns, Roach emphasized the importance of reducing air pollution and mitigating hazardous driving behavior around schools.
Lily, who usually walks to school, expressed her discomfort with the congestion caused by cars during dropoff and pickup times, highlighting the benefits of the School Street initiative.
Despite some opposition, experts like urban planning professor Raktim Mitra emphasized that School Streets have not been shown to exacerbate congestion or lead to unsafe driving practices in surrounding areas.
Advantages of the School Streets program include increased active transportation among students and a reduction in air pollution near schools.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While School Streets have been piloted at numerous schools in Canada, the transition to permanent implementations has posed challenges.
Currently, only two schools have established year-round School Streets, with one trial halted due to community resistance.
Addressing concerns about safety and inconvenience, parents at a school in Mississauga raised objections, leading to the cancellation of a School Street project.
Efforts to sustain School Streets face hurdles such as volunteer shortages and the need for continuous monitoring. Vancouver’s experience with a School Street program at Lord Roberts Elementary School underscores the logistical challenges of long-term implementation.
In the face of volunteer limitations, officials like Lucy Maloney advocate for innovative solutions like retractable bollards or camera enforcement to ease the burden on volunteers and facilitate program sustainability.
Expert Perspectives and Outlook
Contrary to misconceptions, experts like Raktim Mitra have found that School Streets do not worsen traffic congestion or compromise safety. Data analysis near School Streets sites reveals positive outcomes such as improved pedestrian safety and reduced vehicular speed.
Despite challenges, advocates believe that School Streets hold promise for enhancing children’s well-being and fostering sustainable transportation habits. The initiative’s success in promoting active travel and curbing pollution underscores its potential benefits for communities.
While Canada’s automobile-centric culture presents obstacles, experts see urban areas as viable locations for School Streets, offering opportunities to boost pedestrian safety and reduce localized congestion.
As discussions on the viability of permanent School Streets continue, proponents like Lily remain hopeful about the positive impact of such initiatives on community well-being and student engagement.
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