Timmins, Ontario — New school route signs indicating walking and cycling times from different parks in Englehart were installed in the fall of 2025 by the town.
This project is an active school travel initiative providing additional school drop-off and pick-up locations that are close to the schools but not in the school zone. There are 3 wayfinding routes to the schools in Englehart — each starting from a neighbourhood park and ending in the shared school zone. These are the first signs of this type to be used in the northeast region, and they are the result of a collaboration between the Town of Englehart, Northeastern Public Health, and the Walk ‘N Roll active school travel program.
The wayfinding signs are located along preferred walking and cycling routes and encourage families to choose active methods of travel for at least part of the journey to school. Parents and caregivers who are driving children to school are encouraged to stop near a sign and let them walk the rest of the way. Routes were selected to serve a high number of families in the school neighbourhood so it’s easy for students to walk together. They prioritize roads with sidewalks and will also alert drivers to the fact that they are on a school route and to be more cautious. Improving safety in the school zone is a win for everyone in the community.
There are many benefits to taking an active route to school, including:
- A short burst of physical activity before class, providing mental and physical health benefits
- An opportunity for children to gain independence and get to know the community around their school
- Improved air quality and traffic safety for all road users near schools
- Saving time for parents by avoiding vehicle line-ups
- Parents, children, and friends can walk together at the start or end of the school day