OTTAWA — International Walk to School Day is Wednesday. The day is intended to bring attention to the need for safe routes to school. The day helps raise street safety awareness and has other benefits – including exercise and a sense of independence for youngers, assistant city planning director Tom Yahl said. Although the city must observe International Walk to School Day because it is a member of the Safe Routes to School program, it’s an observance that’s suited to Ottawa, he said. “Ottawa is a great place to walk because it has really great connectivity in most of its neighborhoods,” Yahl said. This is the first official year Ottawa has participated. Last year, 4,000 schools across the country participated, as well as students from 40 countries around the world. The Communities in Schools program is also getting involved by awarding the class at each elementary school with the most walkers with a popcorn party, he said.
Tuesday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m.