A Community Safety Zone is being requested along part of Highway 601.
Ecole Catholique Infant Jesus is located just off the road.
Principal Claudine Savage there is a safety concern for their students.
“I have observed on many, many occasions vehicles that are driving very, very, fast, over the speed limit, that is signed on the road as of right now,” Savage told Dryden city council this week during a deputation.
“So, we have on-going concerns right now because it is a safety risk.”
Right now, the highway is posted at 60 kilometers an hour it that location and the application request is that it remains at 60.
Acording to Ontario law, a Community Safety Zone (CSZ) is a designated area, typically near schools or other areas with high pedestrian traffic, where increased fines are imposed for traffic violations, including speeding.
Savage a number of people use that section of road, and it makes sense to slow vehicle traffic down.
“Buses come into my school yard. We have a pick-up and drop-off. There are also four active bus stops between Highway 17 and Ryczko Road. Also, there are families using this road, walking their animals.”
Dryden city council is being asked for a letter of support.
Already, the OPP, the Ministry of Transportation, the Northwest Student Services Consortium, Minister Greg Rickford, and the neighbourhood have all supported the calls for a Community Safety Zone.
The Ministry of the Solicitor General is responsible for the creation of a Community Safety Zone.
(File photo)
