Winnipeg Trustees Push for Safer School Zones and Infrastructure Changes

Trustees from the Louis Riel School Division in Winnipeg are advocating for a redesign of the city’s 30 km/h school zones to enhance safety for students, families, and community members. They are requesting a role in the upcoming infrastructure changes aimed at improving these critical areas.

Ryan Palmquist, a first-term trustee and father, has been vocal about road safety. His son’s daily walk to École Varennes underscores his commitment to this issue. Palmquist’s advocacy intensified following the tragic death of eight-year-old Surafiel Musse Tesfamariam, who was struck by a vehicle while crossing a nearby intersection in February 2018. That incident prompted significant upgrades to the site, yet no charges were filed against the driver.

Palmquist’s experiences motivated him to campaign for the trustee position in 2022. He promised voters he would push for safer streets and community programs, such as learn-to-swim initiatives. This past fall, the board unanimously supported his motion urging regional boards to collaborate on planning for traffic safety in school zones.

The Manitoba School Boards Association is set to convene on Saturday to prioritize issues for the 2025-26 school year. If Palmquist’s motion gains traction, it could be presented at the association’s annual meeting in 2026. Additionally, there are discussions about advocating for a default speed limit of 30 km/h on all residential streets across Manitoba.

Councillor Vivian Santos has expressed interest in year-round reduced speed zones around schools. In a letter sent to board chairs on October 9, she noted the importance of these zones, citing that school properties are utilized well beyond standard school hours by children, families, and seniors. Santos plans to meet with board chairs next week to further discuss this initiative.

An ongoing investigation into school zone safety has revealed that the 30 km/h speed limits, intended to protect students, have not effectively reduced traffic violations. Winnipeg currently has around 150 school zones with reduced speed limits in effect from September 1 to June 30, generally between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, regardless of whether classes are in session.

According to data obtained through freedom of information requests, there were nearly 32,000 photo radar violations last year on the city’s top ten revenue-generating stretches. Areas like Talbot Avenue, behind River Elm School, have seen significant traffic infractions, leading to over 5,000 tickets issued in the past year alone.

Alan Campbell, president of the Manitoba School Boards Association, acknowledged the congestion schools face during drop-off and pick-up times but refrained from commenting on the effectiveness of reduced speed limits in changing driver behaviour. He highlighted that many schools lack adequate drop-off zones, contributing to safety concerns.

Palmquist noted that trustees play a vital role in road safety discussions, yet their insights are often overlooked. He criticized the use of photo radar as a “predatory” method of enforcement and emphasized the need for a reevaluation of how speed violations are addressed. “Predatory speed traps could easily be redesigned or re-engineered to eliminate speeding,” he stated.

Both Palmquist and fellow trustee Ian Walker, who is part of Safe Speeds Winnipeg, have urged the public works committee to examine high violation areas and implement changes to deter unsafe driving.

Board chair Sandy Nemeth expressed optimism that other boards will support the Louis Riel motion, as traffic violations affect every school community. She reiterated the importance of addressing these issues to prevent accidents and promote safety. Since the start of the school year in September, there have already been reports of at least three incidents involving students from the Louis Riel division schools.

As discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring that school zones are not only safe but also reflect the needs of the communities they serve. The call for action from trustees highlights the urgent need for infrastructure improvements that prioritize the safety of children and families in Winnipeg.