With the last long weekend of summer on the horizon, back-to-school preparations are in high gear.
When students return to the classroom Tuesday, Orillians can expect streets and sidewalks to be a lot busier than they’ve been over the past couple of months.
“With back to school, more people will be on our streets walking, cycling or driving to school,” Coun. Ralph Cipolla, chair of the Orillia Police Services Board, said in a news release. “Let’s make back to school a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Please be cautious, obey school zone requirements and help our crossing guards get students and families to and from school safely.”
The Orillia Police Services Board and the City of Orillia are offering the following back-to-school safety tips:
Observe school zone speeds
School safety zones in Orillia have speed limits reduced to 40 km/h when the lights are flashing. School zone lights will flash between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. and from 3 to 4 p.m. on weekdays, except along Park Street, which flashes from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 2 to 3 p.m.
Watch for crossing guards and obey their instructions
Crossing guards will be back on duty starting Sept. 5. Drivers are required to stop and yield the entire crosswalk until all pedestrians, including the crossing guard, have exited the crosswalk.
New school crossing zone on Coldwater Road
New flashing lights are being installed on Coldwater Road between Emily and Albert streets. Once complete, the speed limit will be reduced to 40 km/h when the lights are flashing.
School crossing at Laclie and Brant streets temporarily closed
Due to the ongoing reconstruction of Laclie Street, the school crossing zone at Brant Street will not be active and a crossing guard will not be present. Once the area is reconstructed and can be a safe crossing zone, the crossing guard will return to this location.
Learn and remember the parking restrictions
Most schools in Orillia have parking restrictions on the surrounding streets to ensure everyone can get safely to and from school. When dropping off or picking up students, parents/guardians must park legally. Municipal bylaw enforcement officers will be patrolling school zones to ensure the parking regulations are followed.
Walk or wheel to school
The city is encouraging students to walk or wheel to school for the physical and mental benefits achieved through exercise and also to help reduce traffic around schools, which increases safety for everyone.
