Students at Ecole St.-Augustin in Rustico are helping raise awareness of snow plow safety with an art project that gives them a close-up look at the equipment clearing snow from Island roads, says Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Paula Biggar.
“Heavy snow falls naturally bring kids out to play, especially when school is closed. I just want to make sure that our students know to keep a safe distance away from plows on our roads,” said Minister Biggar.
“This project gives elementary school students a chance to see from up close just how large plow blades are and how potentially dangerous they can be.”
Once painted, the plow will be protected with clear lacquer and used for snow clearing covered in communities along the North Shore.
Using the Acadian flag as a backdrop, students from École Saint Augustin included the name of their community center and school. Also included on the blade is the mission of the French language school board, which is le bien-être de l’enfant or the well-being of the child.
“Students were very proud to promote the rich Acadian heritage of Rustico in such a fun and creative manner. After seeing the snow blade in place, students started talking excitedly about the prospect of seeing “their” snow plow on a snow day. Having had the opportunity to see a plow up close, in conjunction with the safety lesson, we feel confident that snow plow safety will carry more weight this winter,” said Carl Peterson, vice-principal of École Saint-Augustin.
The project to have students decorate snow plows has been ongoing since 2013. Schools decorating plows this year include Ecole Pierre Chaisson, O’Leary Elementary, Gulf Shore Consolidated, Ecole Saint-Augustin, Ecole Francois Buote, Stratford Elementary, and Ecole La Belle-Cloche.