There is an open house Friday night as the City of Courtenay and School District 71 enhance efforts to ensure students get to and from school safely.

They’ve refreshed the Safe and Active Schools (SAS) Program, which takes place over the next two years and will have many components including the 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,  including walking, cycling and rolling.

It also works alongside the City’s Official Community Plan and the Transportation Master Plan.

They’re starting things off at École Puntledge Park Elementary School, Courtenay Elementary School, and Valley View Elementary School, with up to three more elementary schools to sign on in the coming years.

Tonight’s open house runs from 5pm-7pm at École Puntledge Park Elementary School.

The City and District are also planning on school and community walkabouts at the three schools towards the end of the month.

Register at Comox Valley Schools.

To learn more about the program, visit City of Courtenay.