City moves ahead on time limit for school zone drop-offs

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A call to consider a one-minute time limit for drop-offs and pickups at elementary schools is moving forward, despite one councillor’s concern the city might lack the power to impose it.

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A call to consider a one-minute time limit for drop-offs and pickups at elementary schools is moving forward, despite one councillor’s concern the city might lack the power to impose it.

Coun. Markus Chambers is calling for city staff members to develop a standardized “stop, drop and go” program that mandates a designated drop-off and pickup area at each school, along with the strict time limit. The designated areas should include clear signs noting rules and penalties for those who don’t comply, and the city should collaborate with police and the Winnipeg Parking Authority to increase enforcement, Chambers said.

The St. Norbert-Seine River councillor said he believes the changes would reduce congestion and make the process safer.

Coun. Markus Chambers is calling for a program that mandates a designated drop-off and pickup area at Winnipeg schools. (Free Press files)

Coun. Markus Chambers is calling for a program that mandates a designated drop-off and pickup area at Winnipeg schools. (Free Press files)

“(It’s) creating a safety zone where parents can drop off their kids and pick them up at the end of the day in a safe and efficient way,” Chambers told members of the Riel community committee Wednesday.

The committee voted in favour of the idea shortly after he spoke. That means the public works committee will be asked to order a staff report on the matter, which would be due back in about six months.

Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital) cast some doubt on the city’s ability to complete the change, noting he might not support the idea in the future.

“I have a couple of concerns with jurisdiction. I’m not sure we can do this,” said Mayes.

He noted multiple school divisions in Winnipeg have their own elected officials and powers, and the city lacks the authority to direct Winnipeg Police Service operations.

“We can’t, of course, tell the police what to do on a daily basis,” Mayes said.

Chambers’ motion has triggered a mixed response so far. Multiple residents have criticized the one-minute limit as far too short to drop off or pick up kids, with some fearing it would lead drivers to rush through school zones.

Residents approached by the Free Press appeared split on how safe current drop-off zones are.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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Joyanne Pursaga

Joyanne Pursaga
Reporter

Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in early 2020. Read more about Joyanne.

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