Ottawa Now - New ‘community hazard zones’ in Chinatown and Lowertown expand school bus access, and bring new realities for local families

The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority has designated five new “community hazard zones” around elementary schools, citing ongoing social and environmental concerns. 

The affected areas include neighbourhoods near Chinatown along Somerset Street West, as well as Lowertown around Rideau Street and King Edward Avenue. As part of the change, bus service will be extended to approximately 60 additional students who live within the newly identified zones.

What prompted the decision — and what does it mean for families on the ground?

Kristy Cameron speaks with Mike Chatham, a parent of two children at Devonshire Community Public School, about living in one of the affected neighbourhoods and the impact of this designation.