HSD making changes at SRSS bus loop to improve safety

Steinbach City Council approved three changes to parking allowances along Chapel Drive at the council meeting on October 3rd. 

The first is to install “no parking” signs to eliminate parking on the North side of the bus loop exit, the equivalent of two car lengths. 

The second is to install “no parking” signs to eliminate parking on the South side of the bus loop entrance, the equivalent of two car lengths. 

The third is to install “no parking” signs between the North and South entrances of the existing bus loop on Chapel Drive.  

These changes were requested by the Hanover School Division, as they recently undertook a review of the safety surrounding the SRSS. 

Councillor Michael Zwaagstra says this would only take away approximately six to seven spaces, so it’s an easy decision to approve HSD’s request. 

“That's not a lot of parking spaces that get lost. We all recognize that safety is of utmost importance. And in this case here, the school division has in consultation with one of our city employees, and also using information from the RCMP, has come up with a way to make bus access safer in that area.” 

He says the city installing these "no parking" signs will allow the buses to have a safer path and create more visibility. 

“Obviously if it helps with safety and if the school division feels that this would improve safety for students, I think it makes sense for us to go ahead with this request.” 

Councillor Damian Penner adds,

“It's not very often that we have an establishment or an organization requesting less parking. Obviously this is with good intention for the safety of the students.” 

Penner says he drives down this area quite often, and when the buses are moving pedestrian traffic is at its highest. 

“I think this is a wise move for safety and I appreciate the due diligence that HSD did to come up with this plan, and the consultation with the city as well as RCMP, to come up with the requests.” 

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