Ensemble Montréal calling to improve safety in school zones

Ensemble Montréal – the official opposition party at city hall – wants to improve safety in school zones ahead of back to school.

They’re asking the Plante administration to review the process for schools to be eligible for funding through the School Street Safety Program so it includes those located near arterial roads.

“It is counter productive for our schools nearby arterial streets, who are at greater risk, to be overlooked due to the fact that there is not enough money in the program, said Alba Zuniga Ramos, the spokesperson for transportation and the youth portfolios with Ensemble Montréal.

They point to one arterial intersection that they say is particularly problematic, the intersection at the corner of du Fort street and Sherbrooke West street across from the Collège de Montréal. They say that between 2012 and 2021, 32 collisions involving a pedestrian or cyclist occurred within a 50-meter radius of this school.

“This idea of mobility without safety has to stop. We have to prioritize the security of the people who are the most vulnerable in our streets, pedestrians and bikers,” Ramos added.

The party is also calling for better monitoring of school zones by the Montreal police force and additional crossing guards – adding that 71 per cent of motorists speed in school zones.

“The presence of police officers is also non negotiable. To ensure the safety of our children in terms of prevention and enforcement.”

Ensemble Montréal says the school community, including parents, should be consulted in these type of projects – so the city can better respond to their specific needs.

They plan to present a motion on this at the next city council meeting on August 21, 2023.