Hi Everyone!

The Safe School Travel Committee at Edna Staebler Public School appreciates the support received from local residents and city officials. We are now closing the petition and will be sharing the results with the City of Waterloo. It's important to note that there is action happening on a number of the priorities outlined in the petition. In a recent committee meeting, Royce Bodaly (Councillor - Ward 2, Northwest) outlined actions the city is taking to support some of the petition priorities. He also highlighted how the committee can move forward on our priorities.    

Here is a brief update of our progress and potential next steps: 

1. A crosswalk / 3 way stop at the intersection of St. Moritz Avenue and Montpellier Drive: Data supports installing a stop sign at this intersection. City Council will vote in April.
2. No parking on St. Moritz Avenue, near the school (to improve sight lines): There will likely be no parking one car length either side of the stop signs. This should help with site lines. We will continue to monitor this.
3. A stop sign at the intersection of Paris Blvd and Chablis Drive to make it a four way stop: Significant number of cars travel in this area. Further study will be happening to tally the number of students crossing.
4. Two stop signs at the intersection of Bernay Drive and Sauve Crescent, to make it a three way stop: Speed studies suggest a stop sign is not warranted. Committee will continue to monitor this.
5. Increased safety measures at the Erbsville Crosswalk near Chablis Drive (e.g. increased crossing guard time): Committee is gathering additional data to clarify the issue and request of the region, e.g., track the number of students crossing Erbsville Rd.
6. Increased by-law patrol: Committee has learned that one issue (drivers making 3-point turns) is in the Traffic Act for the region and is not permitted. It is also the responsibility of police (not bi-law) to enforce.
7. Winter maintenance on the walking trails behind Edna Staebler Public School: There may be drainage issues preventing additional paving of paths. Committee is investigating to clarify.
8. Other: There are a number of complaints from people having to cross Brandenburg Blvd. The speed of the traffic is of concern. Some measures are being taken to encourage drivers to slow down, e.g., painting a line down the middle of the road. This is one step forward. 

If you have questions or comments, feel free to email Committee Chair, Brent Schmidt brent@strategicfuel.ca