Skip to content

Penticton partnering with local schools to make safer routes

The city will be working with Carmi and Uplands first and experts
32862323_web1_220420-PWN-CarmiBreakin-Google_1
Carmi Elementary School (Google Streetview)

Penticton is looking to make safer routes to school for kids with a new pilot project.

The city has partnered with Carmi Elementary and Uplands Elementary to start the project with. More schools are aimed to be added as the project goes on.

“By implementing new measures and creating safe routes to travel, the school community will have more confidence to use active modes of transportation, which offers many health benefits and results in fewer cars on the road,” said Deputy Mayor Helena Konanz.

The project involves engaging with the school community and expert analysis of existing traffic impacts and transportation infrastructure to identify opportunities for improvement.

City staff and consultants have now conducted site visits at both schools, meeting with parents, students, educators and PAC groups to examine well-used routes and brainstorm opportunities to increase active travel to and from school.

“This might include new infrastructure such as traffic calming, road crossings or new sidewalks, and can also include actions relating to programming and education, such as ‘walking school buses’ or bike safety education,” said Kristen Dixon, the city’s general manager of infrastructure.

Once the city and school district have completed their plans, they will become living documents that can be reviewed annually as the impacts on students and traffic change.

The project aligns with goals identified in the city’s Transportation Master Plan and the Climate Action Plan, both of which support active transportation as a means to reach Penticton’s climate goals.

The first draft plans are expected later in 2023.

READ MORE: Annual shake up of Okanagan Skaha school administrators

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.

<>

Don’t miss a single story and get them delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up today for the Penticton Western News Newsletter.

<>

@PentictonNews
newstips@pentictonwesternnews.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.



Brennan Phillips

About the Author: Brennan Phillips

Brennan was raised in the Okanagan and is thankful every day that he gets to live and work in one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
Read more