By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

With students returning to class last week, the Union des municipalités du Québec (UMQ) is calling on the provincial government to reinstate full funding for a program aimed at securing the areas around schools. The organization argues that recent cuts leave municipalities without the resources they need to ensure safe routes for children.

Funding cut raises concern

In 2023, the Quebec government committed to providing $38 million annually through the Programme d’aide au développement des transports actifs dans les périmètres urbains (TAPU). This funding was intended to help municipalities improve infrastructure around schools, such as adding speed bumps, widening sidewalks, installing pedestrian crossings, and building safe cycling paths. Municipalities matched provincial contributions, making the program a 50-50 partnership.

However, this year the government reduced its contribution from $38 million to $20 million, a move UMQ President and Mascouche Mayor Guillaume Tremblay described as a serious setback. “It’s a program that was announced less than three years ago as a priority, and then suddenly it’s cut in half. For us, that doesn’t make sense,” Tremblay said in an interview.

A program born of tragedy

Tremblay recalled that the program had been reinforced following the death of a young Ukrainian girl in Montreal in 2023, which sparked widespread concern about the safety of school zones. He emphasized that the funding allowed municipalities to act quickly and effectively. “It was really a good program. When the Quebec government gave the funding, the city had to put in the same amount, so both levels were making the effort to secure school areas,” he said.

A parent’s perspective

Beyond his role as UMQ president, Tremblay underlined his concern as a father. “Before being a mayor, a councillor, or a minister, we’re first and foremost parents or grandparents. My own children are starting kindergarten this year, so I’m very aware of how important it is that they’re safe walking from the bus or heading to school,” he said.

He stressed that municipalities had already invested significantly in safety projects and were prepared to continue, but that the funding cut leaves many initiatives stalled. “Some projects could have been selected, but because of lack of money they won’t go ahead,” he noted.

UMQ’s demands

In a statement issued Aug. 28, the UMQ urged the provincial government to restore the $38 million annual funding until 2028, ensure a fair distribution of speed cameras across the province, and allow municipalities to participate in future procurement of photo radar systems.

“Every child should be able to get to school safely, no matter where they live. Well-designed streets with adapted sidewalks and pedestrian crossings not only ensure safety but also encourage active transportation,” Tremblay said in the release.

Next steps

The UMQ is waiting to see how a possible cabinet shuffle may affect the file, but Tremblay said the organization will press the issue with the next minister of transport. “This will be a number one priority for us. We’ll bring it back to the table quickly, because it’s too important to put aside,” he said.

For more details, visit umq.qc.ca.