Ottawa Now - Should more schools shutter their streets during pick-up and drop-off times?

Should more schools close their streets during pick-up and drop-off times? When the new learning season begins this Fall, the road in front of two Ottawa schools could be shut down to traffic, all part of a pilot project between the City of Ottawa and a non-profit group to improve safety. The ‘School Streets Project’ involves temporarily closing a stretch of road in front of schools during drop-off and pick-up times. The idea is that removing cars makes the road calmer and safer – encouraging kids to walk and cycle to school with their families. Rideau-Vanier councillor Stephanie Plante says this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but believes this is a step in the right direction. Meantime, a similar project had been previously run at Trilles De Bois Elementary School in Vanier, but initial reports say that won’t be revived for the 2026-2027 learning season. Michelle Mora is a parent of 2 kids that go to Trille Des Bois, and she is also President of the School Council. Plante and Mora join Kristy Cameron on Ottawa Now.