Back to School Safety

Safety in School Zones

Traffic congestion at school zones is a safety concern for all due to queuing up of vehicles and poor visibility ahead, especially with no school bus transportation for the start of the school year. It inconveniences parents, students, school authorities, school bus drivers, police, and the residential neighborhood.

The Town of Arnprior would like to ask students and parents to consider “walking a block” and park just a five or ten-minute walk away from the school.  It will help ease congestion around the school and provide families an opportunity to get a few minutes of extra exercise. This is the safest option for all involved in high traffic conditions. Of course, our crossing guards will be available at the assigned intersections to guide pedestrian traffic as per usual.

We have a number of public parking lots near some school zones including the Municipal Parking Lot (behind Shopper’s Drug Mart off Madawaska Street), the Ken Scissons Municipal Parking Lot (36 McGonigal Street West, Arnprior, ON K7S 1L8), the Arnprior and District Museum parking lot (35 Madawaska Street, Arnprior, ON K7S 3N5), and Robert Simpson Park parking lot (400 John Street North, Arnprior, ON K7S 2P6). 

Temporary Parking Restrictions on John Street North

Our General Manager, Operations, has implemented temporary parking restrictions on the west side of John Street North to ensure that traffic can move more safely down the roadway on both sides and to prevent bottlenecks from being created should there be a significant volume of vehicles turning left (westbound) onto Ottawa Street. This temporary restriction will remain in effect until the increased need is alleviated at the discretion of the General Manager, Operations.

By-law Enforcement Officers are Partners in Safety

Town of Arnprior By-law Enforcement Officers are your partners in safety. Officers patrol areas around the schools with safety as their number one priority.  The officer’s job is to ensure that parking and traffic regulations are followed, which improves everyone’s safety. Read the Traffic and Parking By-Law and follow all posted signage. 

Please show the By-law Enforcement Officers the same respect that you would any officer of the law. They are there to help.

A Safe Walk to School

1. Make eye contact with drivers - Establish that the driver and crossing guard are aware of your intention to cross. 
2. Wait for drivers to stop - Let the approaching vehicle come to a complete stop and only enter the intersection after the crossing guard signals for you to cross. 
3. Keep your head up and stay alert while you cross - Ensure that your focus is on maintaining awareness of your surroundings (i.e. vehicles, other pedestrians, bicycles, curbs, etc.).