Help make back to school season safe in Kitchener
On September 8, schools across Kitchener will welcome new and returning students to their classrooms. With increased traffic during drop-off and pick-up times, we ask that you leave extra time when travelling and stay aware to help make this a safe back to school season for all.
School and crossing guard updates
The new Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School at 20 Woolner Trail is open for the 2026/27 school year, which means there are new road rules in and around the school zone. Pay attention to and comply with new speed limits, no stopping zones and school bus loading zones in this neighbourhood. Bylaw enforcement will be in effect.
There is a new crossing guard location at Fairway Road and Woolner Trail in addition to established crossing guard locations across the city. Visit the pedestrians and sidewalks webpage for a full list of crossing guard times and locations.
Help make back to school safer
To help keep students, parents and road users safe, remember these tips to help make the start of school safer for everyone:
- Let responsible kids walk: Many Kitchener neighbourhoods are connected with safe, walkable routes to school, making it the safest option for many. If your kids are old enough to get to school on their own, avoid the busy drop-off zone and encourage them to walk.
- Slow down: Studies show that speeding during an average trip to a grocery store or school saves you less than a minute of time. That’s not worth a severe collision or someone’s life.
- Leave space: Leaving a buffer of space between you and the next vehicle will give you more time to stop for the unexpected. Plus, you’ll have better lines of vision.
- Obey crossing guards: Slow down as you approach. Come to a complete stop when the crossing guard raises the stop paddle. Please wait until all children and the crossing guard have cleared the entire roadway before proceeding.
- E-scooter safely: Older kids may be taking e-scooters to high school each day. Remind them of the rules:
- Riders must be 16 years of age or older
- Riders must wear a helmet
- Only one person can ride an e-scooter at a time – no passengers are allowed
- Scooters cannot be used on the sidewalk
- Riders should operate at safe, moderate speeds
The City of Kitchener is committed to eliminating serious injuries and death due to traffic collisions in our community. Visit our Vision Zero page to find out more.
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.