To the Honourable the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, in Legislature Assembled:

The petition of the undersigned residents of British Columbia states that:

Hillview Elementary School students, families, and community members are facing serious daily safety risks. Every morning and afternoon, children cross poorly marked and dangerous crosswalks, often with vehicles failing to stop or blocking sight lines by parking too close. At the busy intersection of Francis Street and Pottery Road, cars often routinely ignore stop signs while students navigate on foot or by bike. 

We've identified a major safety problem where a lot of students enter and exit the school grounds from the middle fence area by the mailboxes, to Pottery Road where no crosswalk currently exists. This is also a highly congested area with vehicles at drop off and pick up times. 

Pottery Road is the main access point for the school, and yet, it's lacking a safe, dedicated route for pedestrians and cyclists. The current setup places children in direct conflict with traffic.

On top of this, Hillview has one of the highest enrolments of students with diverse needs in School District 22, yet our playground remains inaccessible to many.

This is a call for safety, equity, and inclusion.

WHAT IS AT STAKE?

If nothing changes, students will continue to face unacceptable risks simply trying to get to and from school. One accident is too many, and every day without improvements makes that possibility more likely. But if we act now, we can change the course.

A well-marked, lit, and enforced crosswalk system; a safe, continuous shared pathway along Pottery Road; and an inclusive, accessible playground - these aren't luxuries. They are basic requirements for a safe, welcoming, and inclusive school environment for every child.

These improvements won’t just serve Hillview Elementary, they will positively impact our wider community, including families, seniors, and everyday residents who use Pottery Road as a vital corridor.

WHY IS NOW THE TIME TO ACT?

We cannot afford to wait years for lengthy studies, overlapping jurisdictions, and budget red tape to finally align.

The Hillview PAC and School Administration have been advocating for these safety improvements for several years. While the RDNO and Ministry of Transportation are taking steps and kindly working with us, the reality is Hillview exists in a jurisdictional gap, caught between city and rural governance. 

The challenges are real, but they are not insurmountable. With community support and decisive advocacy, we can push for the resources and action needed now.

Your petitioners respectfully request that the Honourable House urge the government to prioritize: 

• SAFER CROSSWALKS at and around Hillview Elementary with better visibility, signage, enforcement, and lighting.
  
  
• A SHARED PATHWAY ON POTTERY ROAD connecting Hillview to the existing City of Vernon sidewalk and providing safe routes for walking and cycling.
  
  
• AN INCLUSIVE, ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND UPGRADE ensuring that children of all abilities can play and thrive together. 

The safety of our children, the inclusion of all learners, and the long-term wellbeing of our community depend on it. The momentum is building. Let's ensure it results in meaningful change!

*The playground is used year-round: after school, on weekends, and during holidays by families across the community. 

*The same goes for Pottery Road, which is a vital artery for Vernon & Area. These improvements will benefit everyone, not just Hillview students.

Sign now to stand with Hillview PAC's Safety Team and the Hillview Elementary School Community. Together, we can create a safer, more accessible, and more inclusive environment for our children... and for generations to come.

CONTACT: HillviewPACVernon@gmail.com with any questions
Thank you!