School Streets Initiative 2026

School Streets create a safer condition for children walking and cycling to/from school through temporary road closures. Markham is implementing a School Streets at Black Walnut Public School this Spring!

What are School Streets?

School Streets are temporary road closures of streets in front of schools during peak school drop-off and pick-up times to create car-free zones that facilities a safer environment for active school travel. By restricting traffic during these peak times, School Streets also offer other benefits:

Improve air quality
Promote physical activity and healthier lifestyles
Foster community connection
Facilitate active and independent mobility
Reduce congestion and car access around schools

School Streets originated in the United Kingdom and have spread to cities around the world, including in Canada, and are supported by the Ontario government through the Ministry of Education. To date, School Streets tests have been conducted in Toronto, Ottawa and Kingston. This Markham School test would be the first in York Region.

To see what School Streets look like, watch this short two-minute video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud8lUaXP6Zk

What is the School Streets Initiative at Black Walnut Public School?

The City of Markham and York Region District School Board have partnered to implement a School Streets Initiative. It will take place at Black Walnut Public School (30 John Allan Cameron Street) in two phases. Please plan your route ahead.

Phase 1: Southbound Lane Closure

Date: May 19 to 29, 2026 (9 days), Monday to Friday

Time: 8:45am to 9:15am, and 3:15pm to 3:45pm