The Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit launched its new active school travel project. The initiative, titled ‘The North Grenville Way,’ was made possible by a $60,000 grant from the Ontario Active School Travel Fund, through Green Communities Canada. The cheque presentation was held last night.
School Health Coordinator Tawnya Boileau says it wouldn’t be possible without community partners, like STEO, the OPP and local schools.
The project has three components: promote and endorse the active school travel charter, change the culture and normalize active school travel and undertake a hazard assessment of walking zones.
Implementing Walking School Buses, overseen by parent volunteers, is also on the docket.
Wallace Beaton, Manager of Community Engagement for Green Communities Canada, says the reasons for active school travel are simple. He explained it makes school zones safer and less polluted, improves the health and happiness of children and reduces the collective environmental footprint, including greenhouse gases.