School district pleased with first week of safer streets pilot

KAMLOOPS — After one week, the Kamloops Thompson School District is pleased with their safer streets initiative around Arthur Hatton Elementary School.

The pilot has been a temporary closure of roads near the school to inspire students and their families to walk, ride, and roll to school from 7:45-8:45 am every morning and from 2:00-3:00 pm every afternoon from May 29 – June 9.

As of Monday, June 5, 2023, they are making a small change based on feedback. To ease the pressure on drivers, the time of the road barriers will be from 2:20 pm instead of 2:00 pm every day starting on Monday, June 5, 2023.

“Students have been enjoying walking, biking, and rolling to school, as well playing games. They gather for water and a chance to win a prize at the celebration station. Parents have been coming to school with their children, and friends have been enjoying this time together,” reads a release from the District.