Ottawa's transportation committee has approved a 'school streets' pilot project that will temporarily close roads to vehicles near three schools during morning and afternoon pick-up and drop-off times. The initiative aims to improve safety for students and encourage active transportation.
Pilot locations and details
The three schools selected for the pilot are Hopewell Avenue Public School, St. Anthony Catholic School, and St. George School. The road closures will take place on streets adjacent to each school for approximately 30 minutes at the start and end of the school day. The pilot is set to begin in September 2026 and run until the end of the school year.
According to the committee, the project is part of a broader effort to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality around schools. The city will monitor the pilot's impact on traffic flow and safety before deciding whether to expand the program.
Community and councillor reactions
Ottawa Councillor Shawn Menard, who represents the area including Hopewell Avenue Public School, expressed support for the project. 'This is a common-sense measure to protect our kids and make streets safer,' Menard said. 'We've seen similar programs work well in other cities.'
However, some residents have raised concerns about potential traffic disruptions. The committee noted that alternative routes and signage will be provided to minimize inconvenience.
Next steps
The pilot project still requires final approval from Ottawa City Council at its next meeting. If approved, the city will begin implementing temporary road closures and signage in late August. The program will be evaluated based on safety data, community feedback, and traffic impact.
