Walking Info for Families
Empowering kids and families through active travel.
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Empowering kids and families through active travel.
View all resources Read FAQsWe aim to ensure every child’s walk to school is safe and enjoyable, giving families peace of mind in choosing active travel.
ParticipAction recommends that children aged 5-17 get 60 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity per day, as well as several hours of light movement per day. The active commute to and from school can break up sedentary time, improving children’s health, sleep, happiness, self-esteem, and confidence; and creating opportunities for unstructured fun with friends outside their classroom.
Walking to school in winter is safe and manageable with the right preparation. Dress kids in warm layers, waterproof boots, hats, and mitts, and plan extra time for slippery sidewalks or snowy conditions. Encourage kids to watch for icy patches, stay visible in low light, and use cleared paths whenever possible.
We create fun programs and events encouraging kids to choose active ways of getting to school. From friendly challenges that track their progress to school‑wide celebrations that reward participation, these activities help turn the daily trip into something exciting and rewarding.
If your student is eligible for busing but does not require transportation, please complete the form below. This helps STSWR plan more accurately for September and throughout the school year and eliminates the chance of your student(s) being sent home on a school bus by mistake.
The Region of Waterloo designed the Ion Light Rail Transit (LRT) system to operate within very walkable areas of our city centres. The Ion street-level stations provide easy access for people who move with difficulty, including those who are mobility impaired, our aging population, and people with strollers. We love that the Ion contributes to a walkable and connected community!
Our goal is that every child will have the chance to walk or wheel for part or all of their school journey, making active travel a part of their daily routine.
School Travel Planning (STP) brings people together to create better school travel options. STP aims to reduce traffic at schools and to make walking and wheeling an easier choice for families. STP Planners bring municipal, school, and community stakeholders together to identify and resolve the issues that make walking and wheeling difficult.
School Travel Planning Committees work together to identify barriers to active school…
The school commute impacted by both school board and municipal policies and…
Vision School Travel Planning strives to make Waterloo Region a place where…
ParticipAction recommends that children aged 5-17 get 60 minutes of moderate to…
Pick-up and drop-off periods around schools are busy times with students walking,…
It sounds funny, but kids need coaching when it comes to walking…
Jane Jacobs Jane Jacobs watched things closely from the time she was…
Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) uses a Geographical Information System (GIS) to calculate the distance for transportation eligibility. Distances are measured from the end of your property to the closest access point to the school–not door to door. The maps used are provided by the Region of Waterloo, not Google Maps, and include designated pathways and access points. Find your student’s transportation eligibility.
STSWR works with the Region of Waterloo, local Municipalities and Townships to ensure that walking routes and paths meet specific safety criteria before being recommended by STSWR. The infrastructure needs to be adequate for the safe pedestrian traffic.
Driving might feel like the quickest option, but school zones can get busy and that “quick drop-off” might turn into a stressful wait in traffic. More cars around schools can create crowded, unsafe conditions for students and even slow down your own morning routine. Schools are intentionally placed in neighbourhoods so most families can walk or bike easily.
Walk the route with your student a few times until you’re comfortable that your student understands and can apply safe walking practices. This can take place before the school year begins or on weekends if you do not have the ability to accompany your student on school days. You can also look into the possibility of connecting with an older student living in your neighbourhood to create a walking buddy system. In addition, our Transportation Planners can offer a walking route map. Please call us at 519-744-7575.
An average Kindergartener can walk one kilometre in twenty minutes, and stamina for walking (and all day long) improves quickly with daily practice. Often, younger students have a harder time sitting still than they do moving for that amount of time. In fact, 20 minutes of physical activity at the beginning of the day can boost metabolism, increase mental focus for up to four hours, and help your student sleep better at night.
In Canada, we face some unique weather issues. But school students all across Canada spend 15-50 minutes outside at a time for recess and must be dressed appropriately to take advantage of that time for fresh air, physical activity, and open spaces. If they are equipped for the walk to school, they will also be equipped for that outdoor recess time.
Contact your School Travel Planner to find out. The full list by school name can be found here.