It is all about walking in Cartierville

“This launch is to make the project known and to seek volunteers,” said Johann Doré, responsible for alternative transportation projects at the éco-district. “Finding volunteers to accompany students going between home and school during the week is one of the conditions needed so that this project can succeed.”

This program aims to improve the quality of life in Cartierville. It will allow, among other things, to reduce the motor vehicle traffic near schools, because some parents drive their children by car and that creates an unnecessary congestion. The program will thus increase the safety of children, in addition to allowing them to exercise.

The success of Écol-O-Bus also depends on the installation of signs along the route. The éco-district already made a request for signage to the borough of Ahuntsic-Cartierville. These standardized signs could be comparable to those in the city of Montreal, because of similar projects already established in other districts, including Outremont. “It is necessary to have physical markers to give visibility to the project,” said Doré. “This will make us known.”

Students at Alice-Parizeau School had the chance to experience accompaniment on Thursday’s earth day. For children who would like to take part, the concept is very simple. The route towards Sainte-Odile School is 30 minutes and includes several stops marked by signs and are determined by the homes of volunteer parents. The walkers wait ten to fifteen seconds at each stop and set out again towards the next one. While waiting for the installation of final signs, during the launch, one could notice the marks on the ground to indicate the areas to wait along the route. (Translated by Michael Beigleman)