Creating Safer Pathways with the School Streets Playbook

In collaboration with the City of Kingston, the Limestone District School Board, and local community partners, I had the privilege of contributing to the development of the School Streets Playbook, a comprehensive guide for implementing School Streets programs. These initiatives temporarily close streets near schools during drop-off and pick-up times to prioritize student safety, promote active transportation, and reduce congestion and emissions around schools.

The idea of School Streets isn’t new, but it comes with unique challenges. How do we ensure safe closures? What roles do volunteers and community members play? How do we secure funding and approvals? To answer these questions, we developed a detailed, step-by-step playbook that can be adapted to suit the needs of any school interested in creating safer, more active school environments.

Our work was built on two successful pilots in Kingston: one at Winston Churchill Public School and another at Central Public School. These projects showcased the viability of full-year School Streets in Ontario and served as models for others to follow. The playbook distills lessons learned into actionable steps, including volunteer recruitment, communication strategies, regulatory compliance, and contingency planning for weather and emergencies.

One standout aspect of this project was the collaboration across sectors. From school boards and municipal staff to public health officials and active transportation advocates like the Kingston Coalition for Active Transportation (KCAT), this playbook reflects the collective expertise of many groups united by a common goal: improving student safety and fostering a culture of active travel.

The benefits of School Streets extend beyond safety. They reduce air pollution, create a sense of community, and encourage children and families to embrace active and sustainable modes of transportation. By reimagining how we use our streets, we’re taking a step toward healthier, more vibrant neighbourhoods.

Looking ahead, I hope this resource will inspire schools and communities not just in Kingston but across the country to explore the potential of School Streets. Together, we can create spaces that prioritize people over cars and empower young people to thrive.

Learn more about the School Streets Playbook.