Sherbrooke police bracing for ‘back-toschool’
WRecord Staff
ith the start of a new school year, thousands of students, some very young, will be back on the streets in large numbers, increasing the potential for accidents and serious injury.
As in previous years, the Sherbrooke Police will be carrying out special road surveillance operations to help keep students safe. In addition to added surveillance, Environmental Safety Officers will be visiting elementary and high schools to meet with supervisors, faculty, and students to help raise awareness of the basic rules for pedestrians, in order to maximize their safety and that of motorists. In addition, two dedicated services will be established for the back to school period, one for the Université de Sherbrooke, and another for Bishop's. Police presence will be very strong near these institutions and near the nearby licensed establishments to avoid any problems that could disturb the tranquility of residents. Officers will be there to meet with students and will crack down on any public disorder and non-compliance. Police will make every effort to encourage the concept of good neighborliness and to ensure that everyone can enjoy their environment properly.
For motorists, the SPS is encouraging the motto: “Open your eyes and slow down” Officers will be paying particular attention to speed in school zones, respect for crossing guards, school zone parking, and respect for signage.
Lennoxville’s Queen Street was a busy place on Saturday as crowds came out for the ninth annual Lennoxville Street Festival. Organized, as usual, by the Lennoxville Business Association, the outdoor celebration of community and local commerce benefitted from bright sunny skies all through the day as thousands made their way up and down the main thoroughfare transformed into a pedestrian mall.
Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. visitors could spot street performers, a host of
local and travelling musicians, and everything from a vintage car show to a traditional tea party while also stopping in to visit both well-established and novice local artisans and vendors.
The day also offered a range of child and family-friendly activities and animation. A grouping of inflatable games was set up in front of the Provigo, offering a play space that was not far removed from the rest of the action on the downtown street, while face painters and balloon artists meandered about. Children and families could also be seen taking advantage of the now-familiar treat of painting colourful messages and images on long stretches of brown paper rolled out on the surface of the road.