City of Burlington & Local School Boards to Improve Pedestrian Linkages to Schools During Winter

Burlington Council unanimously approved moving forward, in partnership with our local school boards, to make pedestrian linkages and pathways to schools safer during the winter season.

This City staff report (RPF-19-22 Improving Pedestrian Linkages to Schools in Winter Season – Disposition of Staff Directions SD-27-21, SD-28) provided and update to Council on discussions with the Halton District School Board and Halton Catholic District School Board and confirm the negotiated agreements for the seasonal maintenance of various pedestrian linkages to schools that were not previously maintained during the winter. These agreements will facilitate improved pedestrian access to schools during the winter season, in the most efficient and cost-effective way.

MY TAKE:

The partnership with the schools boards is one more step in the direction of encouraging active transportation. More people will walk to schools if paths are accessible and safe, cleared of ice and snow. I thank all parties involved in reaching this agreement.

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Here’s the full motion we unanimously approved at our July 12 City Council meeting:

Receive and file roads, parks and forestry department report RPF-19-22 regarding improving pedestrian linkages to schools during the winter season and disposition of related staff directions; and

Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the winter maintenance agreement with the Halton District School Board for winter maintenance of pathways on school property, with the content satisfactory to the Director of Roads, Parks and Forestry and in a form satisfactory to the Executive Director of Legal Services and Corporation Council; and

Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the winter maintenance agreement with the Halton Catholic District School Board for winter maintenance of pathways on school property, with the content satisfactory to the Director of Roads, Parks and Forestry and in a form satisfactory to the Executive Director of Legal Services and Corporation Council.

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LIST OF LOCATIONS:

Here is the list of pathways to be maintained, as well as a future list of pathways that require infrastructure upgrades to be maintained in the winter. It should be noted that the majority of schools within the city currently have pedestrian access through sidewalks or pathways situated on City property, and are currently maintained in the winter season as part of the City’s regular winter maintenance program.

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