Durham Region celebrates launch of active school travel program

Whitby, Ontario – Today, the Regional Municipality of Durham, Planning and Economic Development Department celebrated the official launch of Ontario Active School Travel in Durham Region—a provincial program that brings together school and community stakeholders to address transportation problems and increase active modes of school travel.

“We want to ensure that our youngest residents understand the benefits of active and sustainable school travel,” said John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “Active transportation leads to improved physical and mental health, increased cognitive function, and enhanced social development. Plus, it’s also good for the environment.”

This initiative is funded through the Ministry of Education and Green Communities Canada. Through this program, our region can develop school travel plans and programs for eight schools in Durham Region; identifying existing barriers and facilitators for active and sustainable travel at each location.

"In recent decades we have seen a significant decline in walking to school among children across the province,” said Kate Berry, Ontario Active School Travel program director with Green Communities Canada. "This initiative, including Ontario government funding and rich local partnerships, is a great opportunity to reverse this downward trend and rebuild a culture of active school travel. We look forward to collaborating with and supporting our local partners in Durham Region to implement this exciting initiative.”

Ontario Active School Travel is a program of Green Communities Canada made possible through financial support from the Government of Ontario. Visit ontarioactiveschooltravel.ca to learn more.

– 30 –

For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.