Signs stating this is a School Street and that the road is closed by Lord Selkirk School

City of Vancouver pilots year-round School Streets Program at Lord Selkirk Elementary School

September 11 2025 –

With the new school year now underway, the City of Vancouver is promoting safer, more active commutes with the launch of its first year-round School Streets pilot program at Lord Selkirk Elementary. 

The pilot is part of the National Active School Streets Initiative (NASSI) , led by Green Communities Canada with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada/l’Agence de santé publique du Canada. This Canada-wide initiative will implement more than 30 School Streets across six provinces. 

The goal of the City’s School Streets Program is to improve safety for families getting to and from school, encourage active transportation and transit and foster community connections. On school days, during drop-off and pick-up times, one street next to a school is transformed into a car-free zone for 30 to 75 minutes, creating a safe space for families to walk, bike, and roll. School volunteers or paid staff set up road barriers in the morning and afternoon, preventing motor vehicles from entering or exiting the School Street (except for emergency services).

Year-Round Paid Leader Pilot  

Lord Selkirk has participated in the School Streets Program since the spring of 2023 and has delivered the four-to-six-week program for three consecutive school years.   

As of Sept. 3, 2025, one block of E 22nd Avenue, between Welwyn and Commercial streets, is now closed to vehicles during the following times: 

  • Morning: 8:40 am to 9:10 am  
  • Afternoon: 2:45 pm to 3:30 pm  

The closure occurs every weekday (Monday-Friday) year-round, excluding holidays. Access will be maintained for emergency vehicles. 

“Our school has proudly been part of the School Streets Program for more than three years. It has improved student safety, promoted active travel, and built community within the school,” said Emily Beam, a parent at Lord Selkirk Elementary. “As a family that walks and bikes to school, the School Streets Program helps my child get to school safely and independently. We're thrilled to see the program expand to a year-round format with the addition of paid staff to alleviate the volunteer needs on parents.”  

The year-round School Streets pilot is being delivered by paid program leaders under the management of the Society for Children and Youth of BC . Unlike previous programs that relied on volunteers, this initiative introduces a new and innovative model currently being tested. 

“Every parent wants to know their kids can get to and from school safely,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “Programs like School Streets give families that peace of mind while also encouraging kids to walk, bike, and roll to school. We’re proud to be part of this national initiative and to test out a year-round model right here in Vancouver. It’s another way we’re working with our partners to build stronger, healthier communities for everyone.”

Next Steps 

Over the next three years (2025-27), the City will work with Lord Selkirk and one additional local school to pilot different year-round School Street models, which will be evaluated by a research team co-led by Dr. Mariana Brussoni at the University of British Columbia . The selection process for the second school will occur in the fall of 2025, with program implementation planned for the 2026-27 school year. 

"This pilot will provide valuable insights into how year-round School Streets benefit children, families, and communities," said Dr. Mariana Brussoni. "We'll be studying the impact over the next three years to help inform future School Streets initiatives across Canada." 

For more details on the City’s School Streets Program, visit vancouver.ca/school-streets.

Background 

About the School Streets Program 

In 2012, the City launched the School Active Travel Program (SATP), which works with school communities and key partners, including the Vancouver School Board, to improve safety and increase the number of children walking, biking, and rolling to school through programs like the School Streets initiative. 

  • The City piloted its first School Streets at three Vancouver elementary schools in 2021. To date, 13 schools have participated in the program. 
  • At most schools, parent and community volunteers lead the day-to-day implementation of the School Streets. 
  • The Spring School Streets Program is a temporary initiative at select schools and runs between four and six weeks each spring. The year-round School Street paid leader program pilot is only available at Lord Selkirk Elementary School for the entire school year (September 2025 to June 2026). 
  • Lord Selkirk’s participation in the School Streets Program began in 2023. In spring 2025, the City engaged with nearby residents and the school about a possible year-round closure starting in 2026/2027, using quick-build materials to create a permanent 24/7 car-free or car-light space. Staff are reviewing feedback and will share results this fall. 

About NASSI

NASSI is a program led by Green Communities Canada in partnership with 8 80 Cities, Centre d’écologie urbaine, Society for Children and Youth of BC, University of British Columbia, Queen's University, Toronto Metropolitan University, and Université de Montréal.