Ottawa emergency crews responded Friday to a collision near St. Juan Diego Catholic School that left a child requiring hospital treatment, according to CBC Ottawa.
The incident prompted immediate concern from parents and residents in the area, who raised questions about pedestrian safety near the school zone.
What Happened
Ottawa police and paramedics attended the scene of the collision, which occurred in the vicinity of the Catholic school in Ottawa's south end. The child was transported to hospital; the severity of injuries was not specified in initial reports. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the crash.
School Zone Safety in Ottawa
Ottawa has an ongoing push to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety around school zones. The city implemented reduced speed limits of 30 km/h in many residential areas, particularly near schools, as part of its Road Safety Action Plan. Despite these measures, collisions involving children near schools remain a concern for parents and community advocates.
The Ottawa Student Transportation Authority and school boards regularly remind drivers to slow down and stay alert in school zones, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up windows when foot traffic peaks.
What Parents and Advocates Are Saying
Collisions near schools tend to galvanize local advocacy groups who push for better traffic calming measures, raised crosswalks, flashing beacons, or reduced speed zones enforced by school crossing guards. The St. Juan Diego incident is a reminder of how vulnerable children can be in areas where traffic volumes and school foot traffic intersect.
Ottawa city councillors have previously heard from constituents about the need for improved infrastructure around busy school corridors, and incidents like this often prompt renewed calls for action at city hall.
If You Witnessed the Collision
Ottawa police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage from the area to come forward. Tips can be submitted via the Ottawa Police Service non-emergency line at 613-236-1222 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about pedestrian safety, looking both ways, using crosswalks, and making eye contact with drivers before crossing. Given this latest incident, it's a timely reminder for all road users to exercise extra caution near Ottawa schools.
Source: CBC Ottawa
