New school year starts today for many in B.C.

Drivers are reminded that the 30 km/h speed limit in school zones is back in effect as of today. Halls have been cleaned, gymnasium floors refinished and in at least one case, an entire school fixed up ready for today’s return to school.

Students across B.C., including those in the Sooke, Greater Victoria and Saanich school districts, return to classes today with the end of the summer holidays.

“Everything is scrubbed, clean and ready to start a fresh new year,” said Peg Orcherton, Greater Victoria trustee.

Orcherton said students from kindergarten to Grade 9 will be starting a new curriculum designed to provide more personal attention.

The biggest repair job was at Cloverdale Traditional school, 3427 Quadra St., where changes were made to protect against earthquakes. Cloverdale students, who had been attending Richmond Elementary, will be returning to their own educational home.

Orcherton said motorists should take note that road speed limits return to 30 km/h in school zones this morning.

Fall semesters, which bring a surge of students, are beginning today at post-secondary schools, including the University of Victoria and Camosun College.

B.C. Transit is switching to its full service today to accommodate students and people returning to work after summer vacations. Service that was reduced on many routes for the summer will be restored.

Schedules are being changed on many routes to acknowledge the impact of traffic congestion. As a result, there may be longer gaps between the arrival of buses. Those changes vary from route to route. More details are at bctransit.com.