The City of Courtenay and School District 71 are looking to keep elementary school students who walk or bike to school safer.
The two refreshed their Safe and Active Schools (SAS) Program this year, aiming to improve safety for students and increase the number of families who use active and sustainable travel modes of transportation to get to and from school.
Mayor Bob Wells said the program reflects the city’s commitment to a safer, healthier and more connected community.
“By supporting active travel for students, we’re investing in their well-being, our environment, and the future of Courtenay.”
The program takes place over two years and will include open houses, travel plans for schools, and community walkabouts.
The first three elementary schools to take part in the 2025-26 version of the program are Ecole Puntledge Park Elementary School, Courtenay Elementary School, and Valley View Elementary.
Up to three schools per year will be tasked to engage with the city to identify and address barriers to active school travel.
Schools will help identify existing barriers to develop safe, school specific travel plans, with recommended actions to be proposed after to address the concerns raised.
An open house is being hosted at Ecole Puntledge Park Elementary School on October 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to introduce program objectives, planned events, timelines, and indented outcomes.
Following the open house, the SAS Program team will host school and community walkabouts at the three initial schools towards the end of October.
