Media Release: School Zone Safety Plans in Place in Town of Paradise

With the 2022-23 school year starting this week, the Town of Paradise has implemented a number of measures to support safety in all school zones. 

“We want our students, teachers, administrators, and staff to have a safe and enjoyable school year, and that means all residents have a role to play. Let’s be extra vigilant this week as eager students head to school, reduce speeds in school zones, and watch for school buses,” said Dan Bobbett, Mayor of Town of Paradise. 

To prepare for the start of the school year, staff have visited the Elizabeth Park Elementary, Holy Family Elementary, Octagon Pond, Paradise Elementary, and Paradise Intermediate school areas to ensure that safety measures and traffic calming are in place. 

For the 2022-23 school year, the Town has implemented the following in school zones:

• Crossing guards are returning to the four elementary schools;
• Crosswalk and line painting is complete and up-to-date; 
• Permanent speed display radar signs are operational in the elementary school zones; 
• Both permanent and temporary traffic calming is in place including signage, mid-lane break away posts, road markings, and lane configurations; and
• A new crosswalk beacon on St. Thomas Line and the completion of the new Copper Canyon Trail helps students walking to Holy Family School.

The Town’s Municipal Enforcement Officers (MEOs) and staff will actively monitor the school areas during opening and dismissal times for the back-to-school period to ensure everyone is following proper procedures, and tickets will be issued for any infractions, including parking. The Town is liaising with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for patrols and to report incidents of speeding and dangerous driving. In addition, during this period Town crews will assist with morning and afternoon traffic control. In any areas where road work is on-going, school buses will be prioritized through traffic control procedures. 

“This is a busy week as we all adapt to the new routine of back-to-school so it’s important for everyone to use extra caution when out and about this time of year,” said Mayor Bobbett. “We wish all students, teachers, administrators, and staff an enjoyable, productive, and safe school year.”