Local parent says approach to parking enforcement near Williamson Road and Glen Ames schools should be re-examined

By JOSHUA McGINNIS

Before the bells toll at Williamson Road and Glen Ames schools in the Beach, parents scramble to drop off their kids amid the morning rush. Now, more of them are getting ticketed for it.

Toronto police recently stepped up enforcement at a school bus-only parking zone in front of Glen Ames Public School’s main entrance, issuing more fines to parents using it as a drop-off spot.

One local parent says the city and the Toronto District School Board need to rethink this approach, saying the zone is underutilized and should be allowed to be used by those dropping off students.

“My daughter has been going there since junior kindergarten and is now in Grade 6. In all that time, there has never been any scheduled school bus drop-off. If I’m being generous, maybe five times a year for field trips,” the parent said.

“So, because of an old, antiquated law, you’re enforcing something that doesn’t need to be there. When there are no school buses, why are parents getting ticketed just for dropping off their kids?”

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford’s office have responded to the parent’s concerns, citing safety as the primary reason for the parking rules at Williamson Road and Glen Ames schools.

TDSB Beaches-East York Trustee Michelle Aarts said the school bus zone is used throughout the day to ensure safety during hectic drop-off periods.

“The school bus loading zone is not underutilized,” said Aarts in an email statement to Beach Metro Community News. “It is used throughout the day to load and unload students attending special education programs at other schools. The buses need a safe location, free from parked cars, to pick up and drop off students safely.”

She said there have also been concerns from community members raised to the school about unsafe driving practices in the area during drop-off and pick-up times.

“Williamson Road staff have received many concerns from families and crossing guards about unsafe driving practices, including parking on sidewalks, blocking intersections, and letting students out of cars in the street. Families have reported feeling scared when a car goes onto the curb, and those living near the school complain about cars blocking their driveways. Crossing guards have also raised concerns about parents parking in the school bus zones and blocking intersections,” said Aarts.

In a conversation with Beach Metro Community News, the local parent unhappy about the ticketing described how stressful the mornings can be for those dropping off students, even though he rarely drives himself.

“I usually walk with my daughter unless I’m late or there’s a downpour, but that’s rare. The parents who do drive roll their eyes at the parking situation. The stress of getting your kids fed and to school on time is real—I take issue with the city telling people they can’t park here for an imaginary bus,” he said.

Bradford’s office also addressed the issue in an email to the concerned parent, stating:

“After consulting with the school and parent council, we understand that the bus loading zone is essential for student transportation and safety. It is actively used throughout the day for special education and other student transportation needs, and removing it would create safety concerns by interfering with bus access.

“Williamson Road School is not considering changes to parking regulations. The TDSB prioritizes walkable school catchments, and adjusting parking rules could increase traffic and safety risks. Parents who must drive are encouraged to park one to two blocks away and walk to help reduce congestion. Given the school’s position and these broader safety considerations, we support their decision to maintain the current setup.”

From March 17 to March 21, the Toronto Police Service Parking Enforcement Unit ran its post-March Break School Safety Campaign, increasing enforcement in school zones across the city.

During the campaign, Toronto police said officers issued 410 parking violation notices, focusing on areas where illegal parking poses safety risks to children and pedestrians.

Police are also urging drivers to give themselves extra time for school drop-offs and pick-ups and to obey all posted signage.

As of now, the TDSB and schools have no plans to change the current parking zone rules on Williamson Road.

Joshua McGinnis is a journalism student from Centennial College who is on placement with Beach Metro Community News.