METCHOSIN – Today, MLAs Mitzi Dean, Ravi Parmar, Mayor Marie-Therese Little of Metchosin, and community stakeholders celebrated the opening of a new crosswalk at Hans Helgesen Elementary school, which they say will keep students, families, and members of the community safer as they return to school and see traffic increase.
“There is nothing more important than the safety of our children and families, especially during the busy times of getting to and from school,” said Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin. “Thanks to our community, parents, Metchosin leadership and others who have been advocating for this new, safer crossing for a long time.”
Earlier this year, the District of Metchosin received $14,350 in Vision Zero grant funding to install a crosswalk at Hans Helgesen Elementary School across Rocky Point Road, which included planning for “crosswalk ahead” pavement markings, school zone markings, and a roadside waiting area for pedestrians waiting to cross. This comes after parents and community members advocated to Metchosin mayor and council and local elected officials to make the school zone safer for all commuting to and from the area through measures like installing new, safer crossing.
“Children attending Hans Helgesen Elementary School, parents, and members of the community will benefit from having a safer crossing at this location,” said Marie-Therese Little, Mayor of Metchosin. “I would like to thank MLA’s Mitzi Dean and Ravi Parmar, the provincial government, Island Health, and School District No. 62 for providing opportunities like Vision Zero to make roads in Metchosin safer for residents and visitors to our community, and also extend gratitude to Councillor Sharie Epp for her leadership on this initiative.”
A total of $1,030,506 in Vision Zero grants were distributed to 59 B.C. communities this year. Projects include improved crosswalk infrastructure, traffic calming, speed limit reduction pilots, speed reader boards, improved lighting, road safety planning, and more.
Vision Zero is an international best practice in road safety. By adopting Vision Zero, the New Democrat government has committed to action to decrease deaths and serious injuries on B.C. roads. Making roads safer for all users also helps us tackle climate change, by encouraging lower carbon forms of transport, like walking, cycling, e-scooters, and e-bikes.
“As former SD62 board chair, and now as MLA, I know how important it is for students, staff, and family members to feel their school community is a safe one,” said Ravi Parmar, MLA for Langford-Juan De Fuca. “I’m pleased to see the collaboration and work that went into making this safer crossing a reality for the community”
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/28892