Implement Accessible Bussing for All Children in the Orono Estates Neighbourhood
Implement Accessible Bussing for All Children in the Orono Estates Neighbourhood
The Issue
For residents of the Orono Estates neighbourhood, the daily school walk is a growing concern for children once they are no longer in kindergarten and therefore no longer eligible for bussing. The refusal of the board and STSCO to allow our children on the current bus with available seating is not only ridiculous but it consistently puts our children in dangerous situations.
Passing close to the off-ramp and needing to cross the road not far from it, we constantly worry about speeding cars and navigating the route without stop lights or crossing guards. Additionally, the path's maintenance is so poor that it becomes inaccessible for strollers and wagons during the winter months which sometimes last half of the school year. This either means walking directly on a major road near an off ramp (if it is even cleared) with our children or regrettably having them miss school which is happening more and more frequently.
Our concerns do not stop here. The walking route to school is only about 18 minutes for an adult but with children it takes about 40 minutes, a considerable challenge for young ones during inclement weather, when temperatures often dip to -25 in winter and exceed +30 in summer. By denying bussing services due to age restrictions, we expose our kids to unnecessary risks. The board recognizes these temperatures are too dangerous for outdoor 15 minute recesses, but our school aged children are expected to manage 40 minutes to get to school, not to mention their younger siblings being expected to manage the round trip which can take over an hour and a half.
We believe it is essential to make bussing accessible to all Orono Estates children irrespective of their age. Not only would this provide a safe, comfortable journey to school, but it will also bring peace of mind to us, their parents and guardians.
Together, we call upon the relevant authorities to take quick action on this pressing issue. Let us eliminate the risk, and ensure safe transportation to and from school for our children, for their safety is our foremost priority. Please sign this petition to support our cause.
220
The Issue
For residents of the Orono Estates neighbourhood, the daily school walk is a growing concern for children once they are no longer in kindergarten and therefore no longer eligible for bussing. The refusal of the board and STSCO to allow our children on the current bus with available seating is not only ridiculous but it consistently puts our children in dangerous situations.
Passing close to the off-ramp and needing to cross the road not far from it, we constantly worry about speeding cars and navigating the route without stop lights or crossing guards. Additionally, the path's maintenance is so poor that it becomes inaccessible for strollers and wagons during the winter months which sometimes last half of the school year. This either means walking directly on a major road near an off ramp (if it is even cleared) with our children or regrettably having them miss school which is happening more and more frequently.
Our concerns do not stop here. The walking route to school is only about 18 minutes for an adult but with children it takes about 40 minutes, a considerable challenge for young ones during inclement weather, when temperatures often dip to -25 in winter and exceed +30 in summer. By denying bussing services due to age restrictions, we expose our kids to unnecessary risks. The board recognizes these temperatures are too dangerous for outdoor 15 minute recesses, but our school aged children are expected to manage 40 minutes to get to school, not to mention their younger siblings being expected to manage the round trip which can take over an hour and a half.
We believe it is essential to make bussing accessible to all Orono Estates children irrespective of their age. Not only would this provide a safe, comfortable journey to school, but it will also bring peace of mind to us, their parents and guardians.
Together, we call upon the relevant authorities to take quick action on this pressing issue. Let us eliminate the risk, and ensure safe transportation to and from school for our children, for their safety is our foremost priority. Please sign this petition to support our cause.
220
The Decision Makers
Petition created on February 19, 2025