Students in Orangeville and across the region are being encouraged to hit the pavement this month as part of a provincial initiative to increase physical activity. The Upper Grand District School Board has launched its annual Spring into Spring program, which runs throughout April to promote walking, cycling, and other active ways of getting to and from class.
The program is held in partnership with Ontario Active School Travel, a group led by Green Communities Canada that works to make travelling to school safer and more enjoyable for students. Locally, the initiative is supported by the Wellington Dufferin Guelph Active and Safe Routes to School Committee, which includes the Town of Orangeville, local police, and public health officials.
At schools like Orangeville District Secondary School, students are encouraged to choose active transportation rather than driving or being driven. Officials note that incorporating physical activity into the daily commute helps students reach the recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise, which is linked to better cardiovascular health and improved mental well-being.
Beyond personal health, the program highlights several community benefits. According to the school board, choosing to walk or wheel to school helps reduce traffic congestion, improves local air quality, and enhances neighbourhood safety. Several schools in the area, including Princess Margaret Public School and Montgomery Village Public School, have already completed formal planning processes to better support these active travel routes.
Spring into Spring is one of several recurring events hosted by the school board to encourage active travel, with another session planned for June and a week dedicated to biking scheduled for later in the spring.
