Your Complete Back-to-School Guide: Safety, Services & Support from the City

Crista Cooper
Aug 26
3 min read

As summer winds down, the City of Hamilton is gearing up to support students, parents, guardians and educators for a safe and smooth return to school. From enhanced road safety measures to comprehensive health services, Hamilton is committed to ensuring every student has the resources they need to succeed.

Road Safety & School Zones

The City of Hamilton takes student safety seriously. As part of Vision Zero's goal to eliminate serious injury and fatalities for all road users, important speed reductions are now in effect:

Neighbourhood streets: reduced to 40 km/hr
School zones: reduced to 30 km/hr

Parents and guardians picking up or dropping off children must follow all posted signage to avoid fines. Most school areas have "No Stopping" and "No Parking" zones that must be kept clear for pedestrians, school buses and other school vehicles to safely unload students.

School Crossing Guards

School crossing guards are positioned strategically across the city to help students cross streets safely. By law, motorists must wait for both pedestrians and the crossing guard to reach the other side before proceeding.

If you notice a crossing guard is absent, call 905-546-2489 ext. 2200 to report the situation.

The City continues recruiting new school crossing guards. Learn more about this important community role at the School Crossing Guard Recruitment page.

Transportation Services

HSR Transit Safety

Students using HSR should:

Arrive at bus stops five minutes early
Stay visible to drivers and stand back from the curb
Have fare ready and keep backpacks on laps
Offer seats to those who need them

All HSR buses feature front bike racks - notify the driver and exit from the front to retrieve your bike. The HSR Request Stop program allows passengers to exit between regular stops after 8:00 p.m. on non-express routes for added safety.

Active School Travel

Walking, biking and wheeling to school helps students meet daily physical activity goals while improving focus, health and independence. These choices also reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in our community.

Resources supporting active school travel are available for students, caregivers and educators. For tips, programs and planning tools, visit the Active School Travel page or email activeschooltravel@hamilton.ca.

Health & Wellness Support

Immunizations

Ensure your child's vaccinations are current and reported to Hamilton Public Health Services. Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, records of certain vaccines or valid exemptions are required - children risk suspension without proper documentation.

Visit the Vaccines and Immunization page to learn about immunization schedules, available clinics and reporting requirements.

Additional Health Services

Back-to-school is an ideal time for health checkups:

Dental Care: Free or low-cost services may be available through City of Hamilton Dental Programs.

Vision Care: The Eye See…Eye Learn program provides free eye exams and glasses for kindergarten students.

For questions about your child's growth and development, call Health Connections at 905-546-3550 to speak with a public health nurse.

Hamilton Public Library Resources

Hamilton Public Library offers extensive support across 23 branches:

Tutoring support and educational programs
Free Wi-Fi, printing services and computer access
Study rooms and learning materials
After-hours study halls for high school students

Special Offer: Children ages 6-12 can pick up a free PRESTO card at any library branch, providing free transit access throughout the city.

Community Commitment to Safety

"The City of Hamilton is committed to the safety and well-being of all our students, and every Hamiltonian has a role to play in keeping them safe," said Mayor Andrea Horwath. "From school crossing guards and reduced speed zones to safe cycling programs, HSR services, and public health supports, we are working together across the city to protect and empower our young people."

City Manager Marnie Cluckie emphasized that "City staff across departments are working together to ensure our neighbourhoods, roads and services are ready for the return to school. It's a shared effort to support students and families throughout Hamilton."

Parking Enforcement

Hamilton Municipal Parking System will continue active enforcement around schools, particularly at locations with previous parking complaints and safety concerns. Remember to respect posted parking restrictions to keep students safe.

Get Involved

The safety of our students is everyone's responsibility. Whether you're a motorist slowing down in school zones, a community member interested in becoming a crossing guard, or a family taking advantage of city services, every action contributes to a safer Hamilton.

For more information: Visit hamilton.ca/BackToSchool or contact my office.