The safety of children is important to everyone in our community. Drivers should be extra vigilant when driving near schools to help keep our school zones safe for students, families, and pedestrians.

Parking near schools

Parking restrictions in school zones help keep pedestrians safe and traffic flowing. These areas are marked with traffic signs. Disobeying traffic signs is prohibited by law, so remember to stay alert! Make sure your vehicle is not blocking a driveway or fire hydrant.

No stopping sign with stop sign crossed out by red circle

A No Stopping Sign means you cannot stop your vehicle in this area, even for a moment. Drivers cannot drop off or pick up passengers here. You may receive a $120 fine under By-Law 068-22 if you do not obey the signs.

No parking sign with letter P crossed out by red circle

A No Parking Sign means that you cannot park your vehicle in this area. Drivers may stop their vehicle to drop off or pick up passengers, but they cannot leave their vehicle or wait for passengers while in a no parking zone. You may receive a $35 fine under By-Law 068-22
if you do not obey the signs.

View the following school route maps to find out where you can park in a designated school zone:

You can also use our interactive map to find trails, sidewalks, and pedestrian signals near your school. Search by address or zoom in on the map for detailed information.

Safety tips for walking to school

People walking to school should be aware of the hazards that traffic and parking congestion can create. When walking:

  • Be seen, follow pedestrian safety signals and be aware
  • Stop, look, and listen before crossing the road, even when it is your turn to cross
  • Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before you proceed
  • Avoid distractions like texting, talking on your cellphone and wearing headphones when crossing the street
  • Jaywalking can be dangerous; cross at pedestrian crossings

The importance of using pedestrian crossings

We encourage everyone to use pedestrian crossings when available so drivers have increased awareness of your presence. Jaywalking is more unpredictable for drivers, increasing the odds of a collision when people try to cross the road with little or no warning. 

Pedestrian crossovers are specifically indicated by pavement markings, signs, pedestrian push buttons and overhead lights. Learn more about using pedestrian crossovers. A pedestrian crosswalk, on the other hand, is usually part of a roadway at an intersection. 

pedestrian pushing crosswalk button

Pedestrian Push Button
Press button (if present) and wait

crosswalk lights with white figure walking

Solid Walk
Start crossing (look all ways)

flashing crosswalk lights indicating not to walk

Flashing Don't Walk Countdown
Don't start crossing (finish crossing if you've already begun)

Don't cross pedestrian lights

Solid Don't Walk
Don't cross

Walk-a-block

To help ease congestion in school zones, consider parking in a safe and legal space a few blocks from the school and walk the remainder of the way. Daily physical activity plays an important role in developing healthy kids and a healthier community overall. 

Benefits of walking or wheeling to school
Active school travel brings many benefits to children, families and the overall community:
  • Walking and wheeling gives kids the chance to get to know their neighbourhood and develop confidence and independence
  • Walking and wheeling creates opportunities to learn valuable pedestrian and cycling skills and safety
  • More students and families walking or wheeling to school makes everyone easier to see and puts more eyes on the street for safety
  • Fewer cars around schools reduces traffic congestion, improves safety and decreases harmful air pollution
  • Active school travel is an easy and fun way for families to reduce their carbon footprint, fight against climate change and support a healthy environment
  • Parents and caregivers can role model healthy behaviours and benefit from the physical activity too

Safety tips for drivers

Here are a few simple actions that drivers can do to keep our community safe:

  • Look for pedestrians, especially when turning left or right. Don’t just look in front of you. Check the entire crosswalk for pedestrian and cyclists
  • Do not use handheld electronic devices (texting or talking) or other distractions such as eating and drinking when driving. Give the road your full attention
  • Be extra aware and follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighbourhoods where children are present and sometimes unpredictable
  • Adjust your driving according to weather and traffic conditions
  • Keep your windshield clean and clear and your headlights on so you can better see pedestrians and they can better see you
  • Never assume a pedestrian has seen you! Always make eye contact and confirm with pedestrians that they know you’re yielding the right of way or turning