The City of Courtenay and School District 71 are partnering on improvements to transportation and school safety.

This year, the two say they have taken a significant step forward towards safer travel for students with the refreshed Safe and Active Schools (SAS) Program.

The program takes place over the next two years and will have many components including an open house, travel plans for schools and school and community walkabouts.

The program aims to improve the safety of students in Courtenay as well as increase the numbers of students and families using active, sustainable travel modes of transportation to travel to and from school - including walking, cycling and rolling.

The program supports several City-wide goals set out in the City of Courtenay’s Official Community Plan and the Transportation Master Plan.

“The Safe and Active Schools Program reflects our city’s commitment to creating safer, healthier, and more connected communities,” said Mayor Bob Wells.

“By supporting active travel for students, we’re investing in their well-being, our environment, and the future of Courtenay.”

The first three elementary schools selected to be part of the program for the 2025-26 school year are Ecole Puntledge Park Elementary School, Courtenay Elementary School, and Valley View Elementary School.

In the following years, the City will engage with up to three elementary schools per year to identify and address barriers to active school travel.

Schools will participate in the development of tailored, school specific travel plans.

This process involves working to identify existing barriers to safe and active school travel at each school.

The City is hosting an open house on October 3, in the École Puntledge Park Elementary School gymnasium from 5-7 p.m.

Attendees will be introduced to the program objectives, planned events (including data collection and school community survey), program timelines, and intended outcomes.

They will also be provided the opportunity to identify existing barriers to safe and active school travel at the three participating schools, as well as propose potential solutions for consideration by the SAS program team.

They will be hosting school and community walkabouts at the three schools towards the end of the month.

Learn more at City of Courtenay.