We, the undersigned parents, guardians, and community members, are calling on the Municipality and Public Works Department to consistently prioritize snow ploughing and sanding in the area surrounding St. Paul Catholic Elementary School and Lakefield District Public School (LDPS).

Following multiple recent snowfall events, the roads and sidewalks around both schools have repeatedly remained unploughed and untreated during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times. These conditions create unsafe and hazardous situations for students, parents, school staff, and school buses during peak traffic hours.

While some road treatment has occurred at other times, the school areas continue to be left unaddressed after snowfalls — despite being high-traffic zones involving children. Concerns have been raised with municipal officials; however, the issue continues.

Many Ontario municipalities have recognized the importance of prioritizing school zones during winter maintenance. Municipalities such as Midland, North Perth, Perry Sound, South Huron,Kirkland Lake, Port Hope ,Tecumseh, Georgina, Stratford, St. Thomas, and Springwater and cities like Mississauga, Hamilton, Kingston and Toronto have adopted policies that give school areas higher priority for snow clearing and road treatment during winter weather events.

School zones should be treated as a priority for winter road maintenance, especially during active school hours.

We respectfully request that the Municipality:

Designate the area surrounding St. Paul Catholic Elementary School and Lakefield District Public School (LDPS) as a high-priority zone for snow ploughing and sanding
Remove snow within 6 to 12 hours of the end of the snowfall
Ensure roads are cleared and treated before morning drop-off times
Maintain roads to bare asphalt, where feasible
Apply salt and sand as needed
Provide clear communication when weather or operational challenges delay service
Implement a consistent and reliable winter maintenance plan for school zones

The safety of children, families, school staff, and bus drivers must come first. We urge municipal leaders to take action to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries caused by preventable winter road conditions.

Signed,

Concerned Parents, Guardians, and Community Members