As a parent of children who live alongside James Street and attend school nearby, every day presents a growing concern. My children, along with many others from neighborhoods like Fernwood Dr, Pratt Cres, and Watson Rd, are expected to walk to and from school, facing unsafe conditions amid inclement weather.

The path that was once a safer alternative for our kids has been obstructed and is often impassable, particularly during the harsh winter months. Snow and ice accumulation creates hazardous conditions, forcing our children closer to the roadway, increasing the risk of accidents. Those narrow road shoulders are simply not safe enough to guarantee the safety of our young pedestrians.

According to the National Safety Council, pedestrian injuries can rise by up to 18% during winter months due to icy conditions and poor visibility. Our community has already seen an uptick in close calls and unsafe walking conditions. We cannot wait until an accident occurs to demand action.

We propose the immediate removal of the obstruction blocking the entrance to the Leo Heritage Trail on James st. If this cannot be accomplished then we are requesting a bus for the students hindered. The assumption that James St is a safe walking route for anyone is absurd specifically in the winter months when the roads get narrower due to snow accumulation. 

We urge local councils and school boards to prioritize the safety of our children by improving pedestrian routes along James St. 

Securing a safe walking pathway is not just a precaution but a necessity for the children of our community. Their safety should not be compromised due to inadequate infrastructure or erratic weather conditions.

Join us in our call to make James Street and surrounding areas safer for our children. Please sign this petition and help make change happen.