No sidewalks

A new drop-off zone for South Hull Elementary?

The Western Quebec School Board (WQSB) is planning a new school bus loading zone near South Hull School to tackle a growing problem of congestion at the primary school.

Jim Shea, WQSB Chairman, said that the board wants efficient school bus circulation, but in a safe drop-off and pick-up zone. “We provide transportation to all students because of the lack of sidewalks. Some students may decide to walk, but transportation is there for all,” he told the Bulletin.

Wayne Daly, Ward 9 Commissioner, said that the board redirected school buses to Lynn Street to keep buses away from the traffic coming into the school. Students then take the thoroughfare just north of the school.

“That appears to be the best situation. [During the initial planning phase of a new loading zone] the city said there was a problem with the weight of the buses because they were going to pass over a city culvert in the front. The problem with South Hull is the mix of kids and cars. South Hull probable has the highest number of students who are dropped off by their parents. Many students have transferred to that school because it has 100% immersion,” said Mr Daly. The WQSB did advise Lynn Street residents about this temporary fix before buses arrived.

“We’ve had one complaint from a resident further down the street who did not want buses on the street. However, one lady who lives near the thoroughfare said, when advised of the situation, that we need to teach cooperation and, if we don’t as adults cooperate, how should we expect our kids to cooperate in school?” said Daly.

Nick Giannakoulis, South Hull parent representative and WQSB parent commissioner, explained that loading and unloading students has always been an issue at South Hull. “This proposed loading zone has been on our wish list for several years. If approved, work could begin this summer,” he said.

The main challenges are Crescent Drive’s narrow width and the lack of sidewalks. There are sidewalks on Vanier Road, but not on Crescent. A ditch on the south side and snowbanks in winter complicate the cohabitation of vehicles and pedestrians. There are also many no-parking zones on the street.

“Mornings and afternoons, it’s busy with drop-offs and pick-ups, bus traffic, and walkers. There are hazards for everyone,” noted Giannakoulis.

The city’s planning committee will review the WQSB’s request for a new loading zone in late February. There are about 435 students at South Hull, which is in Aylmer’s Lakeview Terrace neighbourhood.

Richard Bégin, Deschênes councillor and planning committee chairman, has promised to pay close attention to this request.