Winnipeg Trustees Push for Safer School Zones Redesign

Trustees from the Louis Riel School Division in Winnipeg are urging the city council to redesign school zones to enhance safety for students, families, and community members. Their proposal focuses on implementing 30 km/h speed limits that would be enforced year-round, aiming to create a safer environment for those who live, learn, and work in the area.

Ryan Palmquist, a first-term trustee and active cyclist, has taken a personal interest in road safety since his son attends École Varennes, a school located near a crosswalk where a tragic incident occurred in 2018. An eight-year-old boy, Surafiel Musse Tesfamariam, was struck and killed while crossing Ste. Anne’s Road, prompting significant upgrades at the intersection. Palmquist’s campaign for the trustee position was motivated by this incident, along with a commitment to advocate for safer streets.

Since taking office, Palmquist has successfully lobbied for inter-governmental collaboration on traffic safety matters. The Louis Riel School Division board unanimously approved his motion to work with metro boards, which will be presented to the Manitoba School Boards Association on a priority list for the 2025-26 period. If accepted, this proposal could be discussed at the association’s annual general meeting.

Coun. Vivian Santos, who has been receiving feedback from various board chairs regarding school speed zones, is also exploring the idea of implementing reduced speed limits that would be in effect 24 hours a day. In a letter sent on October 9, Santos emphasized that school properties and nearby amenities are active beyond traditional school hours, making it essential to reconsider current regulations.

The ongoing investigation into school zone safety in Winnipeg has unveiled concerning statistics. Despite the 30 km/h speed limit designed to protect students, traffic violations have not diminished. Approximately 150 school zones in Winnipeg have enforced speed limits from September 1 to June 30, typically in place from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. Data obtained through freedom of information requests revealed nearly 32,000 photo radar violations last year in high-traffic areas.

Research from a University of Winnipeg team has identified chronic problem areas for speeding, including locations near River Elm School and Greenway School. For instance, the stretch of Talbot Avenue has recorded over 5,000 tickets in the past year alone. Despite these alarming figures, there appears to be a lack of political will to enhance signage or infrastructure to deter violations that generate substantial revenue for the city.

The majority of 30 km/h school zones in Manitoba are not enforced continuously. Some municipalities, such as Portage la Prairie, have adopted around-the-clock enforcement. Alan Campbell, president of the Manitoba School Boards Association, noted that while congestion during drop-off and pick-up times is a common issue, the effectiveness of reduced speed limits on altering driver behavior remains a topic of debate.

Palmquist asserts that school board members are crucial stakeholders in road safety discussions, and their insights should not be overlooked. He raised concerns about the nature of photo radar enforcement, describing it as “predatory” and suggesting that it could be redesigned to more effectively address speeding issues.

Both Palmquist and fellow trustee Ian Walker, a member of Safe Speeds Winnipeg, have urged the public works committee to investigate high-violation areas and consider adjustments to better promote compliance with speed limits. Board chair Sandy Nemeth expressed optimism that other boards will support the Louis Riel motion, acknowledging that traffic violations impact every school community.

Since the start of the school year, there have already been multiple incidents involving students at Louis Riel division schools, highlighting the urgent need for improved traffic safety measures. The city council’s responsiveness to trustee demands may ultimately shape the future of school zone regulations in Winnipeg, affecting countless families and the broader community.