Vaughan Launches Active Routes are the Way to Go! Program

In an effort to encourage more children to walk to school, the City of Vaughan has launched the new Active Routes are the Way To Go! school program.

The launch included the announcement of the first ‘active route focused’ school in York Region – St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Elementary School – and coincides with International Walk to School Month, a global event which celebrates the benefits of walking, while creating communities that are safe places to walk.

“As the Active Together Community Champion I am committed to encouraging residents to lead more active lifestyles by participating in recreational programs that can have a beneficial impact on their personal wellness,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “This new initiative will show our young people that by walking to school every day they are taking steps that will lead to healthier lifestyles. This approach will benefit the entire community in a positive and meaningful way.”

Active Routes are the Way to Go! was developed to overcome barriers to children's active school travel. The City of Vaughan, the York Catholic District School Board, York Region Planning and Community Health Services, Green Communities Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, York Regional Police, and the Vaughan Community Health Centre worked together to create an action plan which ensures fun and safe pedestrian activity. The program encourages physical activity by teaching children the skills to walk safely and how to identify safe routes to school; reduced traffic congestion and vehicular speed near schools; and, reduced greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

“The City of Vaughan’s Active Routes to School Program is one of the initiatives in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan and the recently-approved Transportation Master Plan,” said City Manager Clayton Harris. “In addition, the City continues to invest in the health and well-being of children by providing more sidewalks and bicycle facilities, and implementing School Travel Plans at both the elementary and secondary school levels.”

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Elementary School has been designated as the first ‘active route focused’ school in York Region. A temporary school crossing guard will be provided at the intersection of Via Campanile and La Rocca Avenue for the 2012/2013 school year. 

Active Routes are the Way to Go! is an Active Together initiative. Launched in 2009, the goals of Active Together are to increase the physical activity levels of Vaughan residents by ten per cent by the year 2020.

Students make their way into St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School, designated
as the first 'active route focused' school in York Region.