Item - 2026.MM39.73
Tracking Status
- This item will be considered by City Council on March 25 and 26, 2026.
MM39.73 - School Safety Enhancements through "SCHOOL" Pavement Markings - by Councillor Parthi Kandavel, seconded by Councillor Dianne Saxe
- Consideration Type:
- ACTION
- Wards:
- All
* Notice of this Motion has not been given. A two-thirds vote is required to waive notice.
* This Motion is subject to referral to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee. A two-thirds vote is required to waive referral.
* This Motion has been deemed urgent by the Chair.
Recommendations
Councillor Parthi Kandavel, seconded by Councillor Dianne Saxe, recommends that:
1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to build into the next contract(s) for School Safety Zone pavement markings an enhancement such that the “SCHOOL” marking is painted on all lanes of multi-lane roadways and retrofit all applicable existing School Safety Zones accordingly within a reasonable timeframe.
Summary
Across Toronto near schools, it is particularly important to implement measures to ensure the safety of all road users, including students, families, and other vulnerable populations.
The City continues to make strong progress through safety measures such as School Safety Zone signage, “Watch Your Speed” alerts, pavement markings, and, until recently, Automated Speed Enforcement cameras. Traditionally, pavement markings have included large format “SCHOOL” stenciling on a single lane of roads near school, even in circumstances where the road is multi-lane.
I was proud to pilot an enhanced pavement marking approach on Kingston Road east of Midland Avenue, where “SCHOOL” stencils were applied across all lanes of the roadway. This simple improvement significantly increases visibility for all drivers and has been well received by the community. Expanding this approach city-wide would strengthen School Safety Zones and support safer streets for students, children and families.
Following the success of the pilot, we have an opportunity to take a stronger leadership role in advancing low-cost, high-impact safety measures together with Staff’s support. This motion seeks Council approval to authorize Transportation Services to adapt the enhanced road marking approach with respect to “SCHOOL” stencils across multi-lane roadways within School Safety Zones on a go-forward basis.
Reason for Urgency:
This matter is considered urgent given our understanding that Staff are currently renewing contracts under which this initiative would be implemented.