We are deeply concerned about the lack of transparency in YRDSB’s decision-making process regarding Bayview Secondary School Holding Area changes. We demand accountability from YRDSB which directly impact us as parents and residents of this community.

We believe that students living geographically closest to their local school should have the right to attend it. It's not just about convenience; it's about maintaining community ties, ensuring student safety, wellbeing and promoting environmental sustainability through reduced travel distances.

Please see map below denoted with a blue star indicating the quadrant referred to:

Families have been a part of this established and stable neighbourhood (southwest quadrant of Bayview Ave and Major Mackenzie Drive East –  west of Bayview Ave and between Major Mackenzie Drive East to Weldrick Road East) in Richmond Hill for decades. Children of this neighbourhood are geographically closest to Bayview Secondary School (SS). This school is within walking distance from many of our homes, allowing children to maintain established connections with the local community. However, recent changes by York Region District School Board (YRDSB) will force them to travel further away from home for their education.

The wellbeing and safety of our children are paramount. The decision by YRDSB not only disrupts their routine but also raises concerns about congestion issues that could potentially compromise their safety.

Community Disruption: Traffic within the Bayview SS area in the morning and afternoons are already busy. By excluding the catchment area of students who can walk to school, this only compounds the congestion issue felt by the community. By placing us into a holding area will increase traffic in Richmond Hill by requiring more students to travel to Alexander Mackenzie High School. Furthermore, this goes against the Active School Travel initiatives that YRDSB supposedly supports:

https://www2.yrdsb.ca/schools-programs/student-transportation/active-school-travel​

https://www2.yrdsb.ca/schools-programs/student-transportation/walk-and-wheel-events

Well-being: Requiring students to travel further distances precludes walking as a means to get to school. Studies show, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada, giving students the option to walk to school supports their overall physical and mental health including improving their performance at school.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/active-transportation-how-children-getting-school.html

Optics: The optics of choosing to place a holding area in a geography that is closest to Bayview SS, is illogical and not seen in other YRDSB secondary school boundaries. 
 
Join us in calling on YRDSB to ensure transparency and fairness in its decisions regarding the Bayview SS holding area changes. Your signature can make a difference - sign this petition today!