A recent ICBC road safety event and planned trail improvements are some ways School District 46 (SD46) is helping students get to and from school safely.
The school district continues to find ways to support active transportation and nature-based learning and is looking to improve student access near its schools, said Nicholas Weswick, SD46 secretary-treasurer
Forbes Road Trail
One of these ideas is looking to enhance the Forbes Road Trail for students of Langdale Elementary School.
During its June 12 regular board meeting Weswick said that the district has been talking with the Langdale Elementary principal, looking at off-site enhancement work for the area.
Weswick asked the board to consider writing a letter to the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD), requesting an access point for students to get to the beach and for regular maintenance to be done on the trail.
Among other places, the trail would allow students to access Smith Cove Park easily.
A report states this would enhance the accessibility of the area and also support the school’s nature-based programs, enriching student experiences and educational opportunities.
The report also suggests that the project could receive financial support from developers working on the areas surrounding the school.
Weswick said this development would also make clear the need for a controlled crossing from the school.
Without debate, the board agreed to write a letter to the SCRD requesting support for the proposed access point and trail improvements.
ICBC Road Safety Blitz
Also mentioned in the secretary-treasurer report was the ICBC Road Safety Blitz.
Hosted by five Sunshine Coast schools (Cedar Grove Elementary, Gibsons Elementary, Kinnikinnick Elementary, Langdale Elementary and Roberts Creek Elementary) the event was May 29 to 30.
The report stated the event was an opportunity for participants to observe traffic patterns around schools, discuss road safety challenges and consider ways to promote active travel to improve mobility for children and families.
Attended by school administrators, PAC members, Vancouver Coastal Health staff, RCMP, ICBC representatives, local elected leaders and TraC volunteers, the blitz raised awareness about respecting speed limits and practicing cautious driving near schools.
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
