Calgary police ramping up safety efforts ahead of school year start

As Calgary students prepare to return to school, the city is ramping up safety efforts around school zones.

Improvements have been made at more than 50 schools over the past two years, which include curb extensions, in-street pedestrian signs and/or enhanced signage, sidewalk connections and rectangular rapid flashing beacons, with more planned for 2026.

Meanwhile, police and city officials are urging drivers to slow down and stay alert, especially in playground zones where speeding remains a concern.

The city says its traffic safety teams will be out near schools, talking with parents, waving to students, and ensuring drivers slow down. Additionally, the city says its presence isn’t just about enforcement, but about “care and connection.”

Officers will be present to enforce rules and educate the public, while infrastructure improvements continue under the active and safe routes to school program.

Safety, they say, is a shared responsibility.

Police are also asking parents with younger children to chat with their kids about staying safe.

Officers suggest reminding children to stay alert and be aware of their surroundings, especially when walking to and from school.

Other reminders include:

• Know who to go to if they feel unsafe or need help.
• Never talk to or accept anything from strangers & never go anywhere with someone you don’t know.
• Never share personal details with strangers, including whether they are home alone or where parents or guardians are.
• If they are in a situation where they don’t feel safe, look for a trusted adult or police officer to help.

Meanwhile, with the school season here, Calgary police are out targeting specific communities with photo radar enforcement.

They include nearly two dozen communities, such as Arbour Lake, Abbeydale, Huntington Hills, Mount Pleasant, Royal Oak and Tuscany.

That’s not all.

There are also 52 safety cameras throughout the city capturing those who run a red.

Police say the cameras are a tool to reduce collisions and foster a safer driving environment at intersections.