School Safety in Focus: Barrie’s Community Safety Committee Proposes Key Changes

During the Community Safety Committee meeting held on February 6, 2024 at the Barrie City Hall, Council members and school board representatives from Simcoe County District School Board and Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board discussed various safety and infrastructure issues related to schools Barrie. 

1. Kiss and Rides: The discussion highlighted the need for better management and potentially more structured setups for kiss and ride zones to ensure safety and efficiency.

2. Parking Around Schools: The committee acknowledged the problems with parking congestion and safety around schools, suggesting the exploration of additional parking solutions and enforcement.

3. Crossing Guards and Lay-By Lanes: The importance of crossing guards and the implementation of lay-by lanes on public roads for school buses and parents' cars were discussed, indicating a push towards enhancing pedestrian safety and traffic flow.

4. Review of Development Applications for School Adequacy: The committee considered the necessity of reviewing development applications with a focus on the impact on schools and whether new developments include adequate provisions for existing and future schools.

5. New Schools and Consolidation: The design and planning for new schools, including discussions on consolidating school elements between two school boards, were addressed, aiming to improve educational facilities and resource sharing.

6. Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras: There was a strong inclination towards the adoption of automated speed enforcement cameras in school zones to deter speeding and enhance safety.

7. School Bus Arm Cameras: The committee touched upon the subject of school bus arm cameras, indicating a need for further exploration and potential implementation to ensure the safety of children boarding and alighting school buses.