School Safety Zones

The Town of Tecumseh recently passed School Safety Zone (SSZ) Policy 125 (effective April 9, 2024), which includes best practices to improve safety for vulnerable road users in the vicinity of schools. The policy also established regulations for school safety zones, while providing a transparent process for implementation of school safety zones on municipal roads. The full policy can be viewed through the following link: 

School Safety Zone Policy

You can watch the March 26, 2024 Policies & Priorities meeting here. 

As part of the implementation of SSZ Policy 125, The Town retained WSP to conduct a comprehensive review of 12 school sites within defined study areas. The purpose was to identify safety concerns, infrastructure gaps and improving opportunities in line with SSZ Policy 125 and other relevant Town policies, including Community Safety Zone Policy 123; Controlled Pedestrian Cross Policy 124; and Speed Management and Traffic Calming Policy 126. 

WSP Review and Analysis of School Safety Zones Report

To provide broader coverage for safe pedestrian crossovers, Council received a report regarding the current School Crossing Guard Program relative to new pedestrian crossover and traffic control measures. These measures include utilizing pedestrian crossover treatments with higher control levels at current crossing guard locations, which are outlined in the new policies above. Council approved recommendations directing Administration to coordinate information sessions with the local schools affected by a change in approach to crossing guards. Council further directed the phasing out or further assessment of current Crossing Guard Program locations. Crossing Guards at the DM Eagle school will be discontinued after June, 2024 due to the closure of that school. For other locations, further assessments will be undertaken over the next few years, with results reported to Council prior to any decisions on the implementation of safety measures and the Crossing Guard Program.

You can view the report from May 13 here and you can watch the video here. You can view the minutes, with the revised motion, from the May 28 meeting here. You can read the report and watch the April 23 meeting here.